BACOLOD CITY — Around 204 families composed of 849 individuals were left homeless after a huge fire broke out in Purok Katilingban, Barangay 39, here before noon on Friday.
At least 100 homes were razed by the blaze, which started at 11:06 a.m., Fire Insp. Jemarie Tapiru, deputy city fire marshal, said in a media interview.
The fire was raised to fourth alarm, leading to reinforcement from nearby stations because there were not enough firetrucks available, as they were deployed for ashfall clearing operations in Negros Occidental following the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, Tapiru said.
The incident echoes a similar blaze 12 years ago, when fire destroyed 101 houses in the same area in September 2014.
Tapiru said the area was identified as a red zone or fire hazard area. Thick black smoke billowing from the residential area was seen by motorists, with some netizens posting videos and photos of the incident online.
Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire. Fire out was declared at 12:37 p.m. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod is still investigating the incident.
As the BFP approaches Fire Prevention Month in March, Tapiru reiterated to the public to never leave appliances or candles unattended and to avoid overloading electrical outlets.
The Department of Social Services and Development responded with immediate assistance to the fire victims, who are temporarily staying at the barangay gymnasium. Assessment of the displaced residents is ongoing.
Meanwhile, a man accused of stealing during the fire incident was mobbed by some residents. However, according to police, he was not caught with any stolen items and was just passing by the area to visit a friend.
Police Capt. Efren Legada, head of Police Station 1, said the case was referred to the barangay for settlement, as no official complaint was lodged.
Fire Prevention Month is observed every March in the Philippines under Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, series of 1966, to promote fire safety awareness and prevention nationwide. Bacolod has experienced several large-scale fire incidents in densely populated barangays in recent years, with informal settlements particularly vulnerable due to narrow pathways that limit firetruck access and the prevalence of lightweight, combustible building materials. (Glazyl M. Jopson via tdg)