By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
A fire broke out in Barangay Mansaya, Lapuz, early on Saturday, August 24, leaving four houses completely destroyed and displacing 11 families.
The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center reported that the fire was first reported at 7:35 a.m. It quickly escalated to a first alarm by 7:41 a.m., and a second alarm was declared by 7:46 a.m.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 7:55 a.m., and it was fully extinguished by 8:16 a.m.
The owners of the four homes that were completely destroyed are Emilla Dutchilla, Rommel Tusing, Aida Labiyo, and Jayson Rubite.
Fire Officer John Paquito Verano of the Iloilo City Fire Station said the fire started on the second floor of one of the houses and spread to neighboring structures, which were mostly made of light materials.
The displaced families, comprising 29 individuals, are temporarily staying at Bo. Obrero National High School.
The total damage is estimated at around P97,000. No injuries or fatalities were reported during the incident.
The Bureau of Fire Protection has collected evidence, including electrical wiring, as part of its investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
