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Tonight a Belize City family is homeless after their house burned down this evening in the city. 7News happened on the scene just as the fire was starting and Monica Bodden saw flames overtake the house in just a few minutes. Here's her report starting when only smoke was visible:…

Monica Bodden reporting…

Around 4:30 this afternoon, smoke was seen coming from the upper flat of this two story building located at the corner of Allemby Street and East Collet Canal.

Next door neighbours went into panic mode and even began removing items from their own homes. As the smoke grew thicker and darker, the entire neighbourhood flooded unto the street side – many on their cell phones calling the fire department- while some ran up the block to the nearby Fire Station to get urgent help.

It only took 2 minutes before the entire upstairs of the building was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after along with police officers who contained the crowd of spectators.And then they went into operation mode, even neighbours began helping.

The fire started at 4:30 and was completely put out by 5:45.

The family was too distraught and shocked to speak today. Tomorrow we'll find out from the fire department what caused the blaze.