A bucket brigade saved the night – When I heard the news that a fire had broken out at Brunolito’s Ice Cream Shop, my heart sank. Fire in the most congested part of downtown San Pedro is never good; we have lost almost entire blocks in previous fires in town. The southern part of downtown was completely engulfed in smoke, visibility was low and breathing was tasking. As the flames spread and smoke clouded the sky, I realized this was more than just a shop going up in smoke. This was another painful reminder of just how vulnerable we are when disaster strikes.
The blaze started at Brunolito’s but quickly consumed the entire building, affecting neighboring businesses like Hot Spot Variety Shop and Breez Electric Bike Rentals. The San Pedro Fire Department arrived on the scene quickly—but as we’ve seen too many times before, their efforts were thwarted not by a lack of will, but by a lack of resources. Water ran out fast and we don’t have enough firefighters in the department. And once again, we—the people—were called to help in the most basic way we know how: with buckets.
Yes, a bucket brigade. In 2025, in one of Belize’s most thriving tourism hubs, we are still relying on bucket brigades to fight fires. It was one of those surreal moments where frustration and pride intertwine. Frustration that we are still this unprepared for something as basic—and as devastating—as a fire. But pride in the strength of our community.
Bucket Brigade Assembles
After realizing the shortcomings of the fire department, residents formed a bucket brigade to assist
Locals, tourists, women, young kids, church leaders, even visiting Mennonite businessmen—we all grabbed buckets and got to work. I saw Ft. Zachery and Ft. Eduardo from the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church soaked in sweat, passing buckets down the line. Those who could not join in, shouted encouragement while keeping the rhythm of the chain going. Teenagers, covered in soot, moved like seasoned firefighters.
We may not have had high-tech gear or a hydrant system, but we had each other. And sometimes, that’s what gets us through. Still, a bucket brigade shouldn’t be our standard response. Every fire in San Pedro plays out the same: too little equipment, too few firefighters, and too many citizens forced to become first responders. We keep hearing the same promises from officials—better training, more personnel, improved water access—but here we are, still throwing buckets of seawater at roaring flames.
The Fire Department’s team did everything they could. This isn’t a critique of their courage or dedication—it’s a cry for help on their behalf. They’re doing the best they can with what little they have. But we are well past due for a serious investment in San Pedro’s fire response infrastructure.
One person online said it perfectly: “As a frontline tourism hub, San Pedro cannot afford this kind of vulnerability. The fire tonight is more than a one-off incident. It’s a symbol of ongoing neglect—and it’s time the Government stopped leaning on volunteer spirit and started making real, strategic investments in emergency response infrastructure.”
Amen to that.
This isn’t just about replacing a burnt building. It’s about preventing the next one from going up in flames. It’s about ensuring that businesses, homes, and lives are protected by a system that works—one that doesn’t rely on luck and heroism alone.
We must demand better from our leaders. We need more trained firefighters, more water reserves, functioning hydrants, properly maintained trucks, and the kind of funding that reflects the reality of San Pedro’s growing population and tourism demand.
To the community that showed up with buckets and bravery: thank you. You are the heart of this island. But now, let’s channel that same community spirit into advocacy. Let’s talk to our Mayor. Let’s push our Area Representative. Let’s make fire safety a priority, because San Pedro deserves more. We deserve better. And no one else should have to watch their livelihood turn to ash while waiting for help that never truly comes.
— From the heart of La Isla Bonita.
One Response
Moved away 2 years ago. Cried reading this. Heartbroken over the loss – like a punch in the gut….and sentimental about the sense of community from the people I miss so much . Beautiful and sad at the same time.