BACOLOD CITY — At least 41 families, or about 130 individuals, were left homeless after a fire broke recently in Purok Tambipalad, Barangay 10.
Fire Insp. Jemarie Tapiru, deputy city fire marshal, said the blaze destroyed 27 houses, including 22 that were totally damaged and five that were partially damaged.
Tapiru said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) received the fire call at 2:19 p.m., and firefighters responded immediately as the scene was near the fire station.
Firefighters initially had difficulty accessing the area due to narrow passageways.
Because of strong winds and the intensity of the fire, the BFP–Bacolod raised the alert to third alarm, prompting assistance from volunteer fire groups and augmentation from BFP–Talisay in Negros Occidental.
Tapiru said some fire volunteers had to cross a creek to reach the area and help contain the blaze.
The fire was placed under control at 2:59 p.m., and a ‘fire out’ was declared at 3:28 p.m.
Tapiru said the area is considered a fire-prone zone due to its congested layout, narrow alleys, and houses mostly built with light materials.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Property damage was estimated at PHP 237,500, according to BFP–Bacolod.
Mayor Greg Gasataya visited the scene to check on affected residents, who are temporarily staying at the barangay multipurpose hall.
Gasataya said a nearby school has also been prepared as an additional evacuation site if needed.
Initial assistance has already been provided by the city government.
“We will ensure that ample support is given to those affected by this fire incident,” the mayor said. (Glazyl Jopson via tdg)