A devastating fire broke out early Friday morning around 4 am in the area known as “Tarabana Bieu,” completely destroying a home located at Dadelstraat #37. The house belongs to Rudolf Calmes, a member of the Aruba Fire Department.
Calmes shared that his entire family was asleep when he was startled awake by the sound of several loud pops. When he opened his eyes, he found his bedroom filled with smoke. Relying on his training as a firefighter, he immediately dropped to the floor and crawled to safety. At the same time, he received help from neighbors who assisted in getting everyone out of the house safely.
Firefighters, including Calmes’ own colleagues, arrived on the scene shortly afterward to battle the blaze. Police also responded to begin collecting evidence, as there are strong suspicions that the fire was deliberately set. Calmes is expected to visit the Criminal Investigation Department to assist with the investigation into what is being treated as a possible case of arson.
