It is not always easy to look at the bright side when such a big tragedy occurs, like the Ramon’s Village fire – however there is a lot to be thankful for. The fire could have been so much worse, and none of the guests or anyone who was helping put out the fire (that I know of) was hurt.

All 25 guests staying in the cabanas were safe and thankfully very few suffered loss of luggage and travel documents. Those that did were being helped in regards to getting to the Embassy and getting everything sorted out. The guests were all given care packages and relocated to near by resorts. I heard they were sent to SunBreeze Hotel and Victoria house Resort but have yet to get confirmation on that. I have also heard reports that Ramon’s staff will be taken care of. Big shout out to all of them, they really did an outstanding job in working around the clock and through the fire.

Although there were speculations about the laundry room and kitchen, it has been determined that the fire started in one of the occupied cabana’s and was a result of something electrical. The exact cause is not known and still being investigated. Sadly, Pineapples Restaurant, The Purple Parrot, Ramon’s Gift Shop, and 29 of the 71 cabanas were lost. 

Understandably, there is no current financial estimate on the massive damage. As for the emotional cost it is very high. Ramon’s Village held many fond memories for so many. People world wide have been wishing Ramon’s and their staff well during this tragedy and countless people have faith that the “Ramon’s Village Family” will overcome this unfortunate accident. 

One of the best comments came from bobcat bill on Ambergriscaye.com he said, “Out of the destruction a new Ramon’s will emerge like a beautiful butterfly coming out of its cocoon.”

Ramon’s fire video from the morning after:

If you know of anyone who was at the fire or breathing in smoke, please share the information below.

Smoke is a noxious stimulant to the human respiratory system. When you suffer from smoke inhalation, your body does not get the oxygen it needs to do it’s job and the lungs can easily be damaged as a result. It can also set off allergic type reactions in the body. Especially in people with a preexisting respiratory condition or a weakened immune system due to a recent cold or illness.

Not everyone who has been near a fire will feel the symptoms of smoke inhalation. Even if you do not feel anything immediately it is important to watch for symptoms. Drinks lots of water to stay hydrated and flush out your system, and eat healthy to help keep your immune system high. Also watch out for the Malathion truck these nest few days. It has been spraying heavily in Wayo’s Bar area due to Dengue. Last thing anyone needs is inhaling that toxin after all the smoke.

Common symptoms of smoke inhalation requiring first aid include:

• Headaches
• Stinging or watery eyes
• Irritated sinuses and scratchy throat
• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat and lightheartedness

Treatment for smoke inhalation:

• Consult a doctor immediately
• Deep breaths of fresh air
• Drink plenty of water at least eight ounces every two hours
• Increase the following 2 vitamins in your diet
• Take vitamin C – Helps the immune system work properly to protect the body. Did you know smokers need 30% – 35% more vitamin C because of high level carcinogens in their bodies from smoking?
• Take Vitamin A – It helps keep the mucus lining of the lungs healthy to adequately release foreign particles. Now that is good housekeeping 🙂

See foods high in vitamin C and foods high in vitamin A for a list of healthy eating options.

More technical information from how the lungs work, source family education. Posting it for Dr.Al and anyone who wants to learn more about how the human body works.

Now comes the cleaning up part. The alveoli also contain mucous cells with membrane arms called cilia. Cilia resembles sweeping, swaying tentacles. The dust catches on the cilia and is swayed back, out of the lung, into the esophagus that leads to the stomach. Acids in the stomach area begin to make short shift of the poison. Your body cells receive the clean oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide waste that is is exhaled out of your lungs.

Unfortunately, when you become overcome with smoke, this process of cleaning, receiving, and eliminating breaks down. There are just too many foreign particles for the cilia to sweep them all away. Even the automatic defense mechanisms of sneezing and coughing will not help clear your lungs of smoke. They are merely a drop in the bucket.

When you suffer from smoke inhalation, your body does not get the oxygen it needs to do it’s job, and the lungs can become damaged as well.

Please note the First Aid program will be starting up again in September, email me tacogirlbelize(@)gmail.com to register your staff, yourself or someone you know who should learn first aid.

I am loading pictures as a photo gallery, but I have no time to title them and feel it is important to not only get the smoke inhalation information out as soon as possible. Tim Callanan’s memorial is tonight at Wayos Bar – 6:00 PM. I have to unchain myself and get ready soon, as it is already 5:30. Thankfully my sheets are clean, shower is done and they are playing good music on TV 🙂