35 families affected by fire in Bacolod
A midday fire destroyed 26 houses and affected 35 families in Purok Magti-ayon, Barangay 10, Bacolod City on Thursday, February 16.
According to a report, 22 out of the 26 affected houses were totally damaged by the fire that also left 35 families or 122 individuals homeless.
Fire Chief Inspector Rodel Legaspi, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod Fire marshall, said they received the fire call at around 11:53 a.m.
Legaspi said they were able to immediately respond within one minute since the fire took place just behind the city’s main fire station in San Juan street.
However, he said firefighters found it difficult to reach the burning houses because of the narrow pathway, forcing them to climb the perimeter wall located behind a restaurant.
The customers and staff of the restaurant were also forced to evacuate due to the thick smoke that entered the establishment.
The fire was also aggravated by the strong wind and the fact that the houses were made of light materials, Legaspi said.
The fire was declared under control at 12:46 p.m.
The fire reportedly started from a house situated in the middle area and owned by 42-year-old Edson Lorania.
Legaspi said that Lorania’s house was reportedly empty when the blaze started. The fire immediately spread to neighboring houses.
Legaspi said no one was killed in the blaze, but some residents, who were trying to salvage some of their belongings, sustained minor bruises, burns and cuts.
Several individuals were also treated for minor smoke inhalation.
The estimated cost of the damages is pegged at P155,000.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez visited the scene of the fire and ordered immediate assistance to the victims.
“They (families) were given hot meals, food packs, hygiene kits, tents, folding beds. Cash assistance will follow, Benitez said.
Arson investigators are validating reports from witnesses that an electrical post in the area sparked before the fire raged.