By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – A total of 34 families or 119 individuals lost their homes in a fire that broke out before midnight at Purok Magtiayon, Barangay 10, on Tuesday, according to data from the barangay as of 8:30 a.m. yesterday, as reported by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Fire Superintendent Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, said the BFP responded around 11:55 p.m. after one of its firefighters saw the blaze from the nearby fire station.
Masip reported that 29 houses were affected by the fire, which originated from the house of Ramona Anoche. Of these, 16 houses were destroyed and 13 were partially damaged.
The initial investigation indicated that the fire was electrical in nature, caused by faulty electrical wires from the service entrance of Anoche’s house.
“There was splicing of wires, which indicates a problem with the electrical connection. However, this is subject to further investigation,” Masip explained.
Anoche was not at home during the incident and was informed by a neighbor.
Masip noted the difficulty in accessing the fire scene due to narrow passageways but said the fire was controlled immediately.
The alarm status was raised to the third alarm at 12:17 a.m. on Wednesday, given the coverage of the affected area, approximately 600 square meters.
Earlier that evening, around 9 p.m., the BFP had responded to a fire in a post in the same area.
The estimated cost of damage is P210,000, as most of the houses were made of light materials. Masip mentioned the amount might increase slightly.
The fire was declared out at 12:57 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Masip noted that the affected area is the only remaining part of Barangay 10 considered fire-prone. She believed the city government had plans to relocate the residents even before the incident.
