By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Talisay, Negros Occidental, is investigating a loose electrical connection from an extension cord as the possible cause of a fire that left 57 families, or 232 individuals, homeless in Purok Pasil, Barangay Zone 5, on Tuesday.
Senior Fire Officer 1 (SFO1) John Mondido, arson investigator of the Talisay City Fire Station, said the fire originated from the house of a certain Phoebe Pasilan and may have started from an unattended plugged extension cord.
Mondido said Pasilan admitted they had been tapping electricity from a neighbor using an extension cord.
“Since it may have been a permanent scenario, there’s a possibility of a loose electrical connection,” he added.
Pasilan’s house was empty when the fire broke out at 1:33 p.m., as she had gone out to fetch her children from school, Mondido said.
A total of 53 houses were completely destroyed, while four others sustained partial damage, affecting a 1,500-square-meter congested residential area.
The Talisay City government has assured assistance to the fire victims, who are currently taking shelter at the city gymnasium.
The evacuees have been provided with medical aid and basic necessities.
The city is also calling for donations, including clothing, food, hygiene kits, household items, and other essentials, to help the affected residents.
Meanwhile, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) in Talisay City visited the fire victims to assess their needs and determine what assistance can be extended.
The school is also inviting concerned individuals to support its CHMSUyanihan initiative to help restore hope and rebuild lives.
