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While waiting for rain, officials have been conducting regular assessments in areas affected by the fires, primarily in the south where up to ten homes have been destroyed. Today’s press conference was led by Disaster Risk Management Minister Andre Perez and featured speakers including Nemo Coordinator Daniel Mendez, Chief Meteorological Officer Ronald Gordon, Belize Red Cross Director Lily Bowman, Chief Health Inspector John Bodden, Plan Belize’s Edilberto Romero and representatives from the Ministry of Environment. These key players came together to meet with the media and answer questions raised by the wildfires of the past six weeks. To outline the findings so far, we were joined by Benjamin Flowers.
Benjamin Flowers, Love News: For the past six weeks, residents and farmers in the south and west have been battling wildfires that have destroyed crops such as cocoa and corn. For many families, their livelihoods have been destroyed and they have been left with nothing and have to start from scratch. Some of these fires are caused by the high temperatures and spontaneous combustion that occur from February to the end of May each year, which is considered normal at the time. However, Chief Meteorological Officer Ronald Gordon said many of the fires were deliberately set.
Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon: “I have to say this is a human-caused fire, it’s primarily human-caused. So there’s a big variable there, related to human activity. We know that we do have dry spells, especially in June, July, August. So if human activity continues, we’re likely to have more fires.”
Benjamin Flowers, Love News: About a week ago, initial assessments put the damage at an estimated $3 million. However, tonight, NEMO Coordinator Daniel Mendez noted that the initial figure had increased by several million dollars. This figure is subject to change as damage continues in the affected areas.
Daniel Mendez, NEMO Coordinator: “Over four hundred families have been impacted by this fire. The fire has spread to twenty-eight communities throughout the region and as of now, our assessment is still ongoing but we have noted at least six thousand acres of farmland destroyed. There has also been tremendous damage to the environment and a huge loss of livelihoods. We have also noted ten homes destroyed in two communities. Eight homes destroyed in the village of Graham Creek and two homes destroyed in San Pedro Columbia. In the Pine Ridge Mountains, we have also noted approximately 32,000 acres of land affected in that area. However, we have not yet begun our assessment in the Cayo District to determine the total impact to date.”
Benjamin Flowers, Love News: Mendes noted that damage assessment will begin in the coming days. Regular checks on social media show villagers pleading for help and manpower as the fires burn day and night. Government officials, including BDF soldiers and firefighters, and volunteers from surrounding areas have rushed to the scene; but is the manpower enough to put out these wildfires?
Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management: “When you have a disaster like this, there’s never enough manpower. Honestly, there’s never enough manpower. Anywhere there’s a disaster, there’s never enough manpower. But we’re working on it. This is a very serious problem, and we have so much manpower, and we want to commend the BDF for doing a great job, including the heroic work of the fire department. In fact, two firefighters from the Toledo area had to go rescue this displaced family, and they were caught up in the operation trying to save the farm. So manpower is always an important thing, and we need more of it.”
Benjamin Flowers, Love News: In addition to the need for additional manpower, economic assistance is urgently needed. Farmers need to replant; houses need to be rebuilt; and residents need to resume normal life as soon as possible.
Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management: “We are still discussing the supplementary budget that has been approved, which is more or less $500,000, and of course more funds need to be approved. I can tell you that our international partners have certainly contacted us through the embassy. We have prepared the report. We have submitted the required funds and fortunately, our friends are contacting us regarding the required funds. So in terms of providing livelihoods, especially for farmers who have lost millions of dollars in terms of plantations and crop losses, the Ministry of Agriculture will definitely do the same.”
Benjamin Flowers, Love News: The wildfires and the devastation they caused were unprecedented for Belize. Disaster Risk Management Minister André Perez said it was a lesson the country cannot ignore. It highlights the need for education to prepare land and property for these disasters.
Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management: “This is not something that is done overnight, we are learning right now. This fire is historic. This will be the largest fire that we have ever recorded as a country, as an independent nation. So it’s going to take a lot of work, but I have faith. I have faith in my team, I have faith in this government, we have faith in the departments, and we are exhausted, but we are making plans.”
Benjamin Flowers, Love News: The Belize Red Cross is also on the scene providing assistance to the affected families. Executive Director Lily Bowman said the assistance will come in various forms, ranging from fire safety to health precautions. Financially, the organization expects the International Federation to provide about $20,000 in relief assistance to the victims. Love News reports, Benjamin Flowers.
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