Pavas house fire kills father and son

A fatal house fire in the Villa Esperanza community of Pavas, San José, claimed the lives of a father and his son during the early hours of Monday, August 10, 2026. The victims have been identified as Eduardo Pérez Badilla and his son, Eithan Pérez Monge, who was approximately 14 years old.

Neighbors reported hearing the teenager's cries for help as the flames consumed the residence. Emergency responders noted that the fire was difficult to combat; one report indicated that the victim's collection of handicrafts hindered rapid entry for firefighters and contributed to the intensity of the blaze. Additionally, residents of the community expressed concerns regarding a lack of water service in the area, which complicated the emergency response.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. This incident contributes to a rising number of structural fires in the country, with 648 recorded so far in 2026, resulting in 14 fatalities.