By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Aid has continued to flow for the victims of a fire that broke out around 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, in Barangay VII, Roxas City.
Tragically, two individuals, including a person with disability (PWD), were confirmed deceased in the blaze.
Support has arrived from local government units, the private sector, and various stakeholders.
The two deceased victims were identified as Nenita Villaruz, 66, a PWD, and Nestor Clarito, also known as Bai, 66. Both were residents of the affected area.
The Roxas City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted an investigation which found that Villaruz was alone in her house at the time of the fire and became trapped within her home.
Clarito was attempting to salvage some of his possessions when he too was caught in the flames.
Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have started in a house where lighted firewood was left unattended, which quickly ignited the surrounding houses constructed from light materials.
The BFP-Roxas declared the fire extinguished around 3 p.m. after receiving assistance from 15 fire trucks from the municipalities of Pontevedra, Panitan, Ivisan, Sapian, and volunteer groups such as the Capiz Citizens Action Group and Ferocity.
The blaze escalated to a 3rd alarm status, requiring the help of more fire stations in the province.
Ongoing investigations aim to determine the cause and full extent of the damages, with initial estimates reaching P1.5 million.
The incident affected approximately 377 individuals, consisting of 98 families, and resulting in the destruction of 75 houses.
The displaced families are currently sheltered at Rufina Andarada Santos Memorial School, which serves as their temporary refuge.
Mayor Ronnie T. Dadivas of Roxas City was quick to visit the site and assess the condition of those affected.
In the meantime, the Roxas City government has promptly provided assistance to the affected families, including food, hygiene kits, tents, and other necessities.
