BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – An afternoon fire in Zone 2, Barangay Rizal, Lapuz district here yesterday, January 7, claimed the life of a bedridden senior citizen and displaced 31 families.
Authorities identified the fatality as 68-year-old Susan Aytona, a person with a disability, who was unable to escape due to her bedridden condition. Her aunt, Emily Jaruda, confirmed that Aytona was trapped inside their home when the fire erupted.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Iloilo City received a fire call at around 1:05 p.m. The fire reached the third alarm status at 1:20 p.m. and declared under control at 1:34 p.m.
According to Barangay Captain Wilson Allona, the fire originated from the house of 62-year-old Andre Goko Sr. and quickly consumed nearby structures.
Despite the presence of a firewall that limited the fire’s spread, 15 houses were completely destroyed and one was partially damaged as of this writing.
In an interview with Fire Officer 2 John Paquito Verano of the BFP-Iloilo City, the fire resulted in an estimated damage of P1,260,000 based on their initial assessment of the affected area which spans approximately 840 square meters.
Arson investigators were still investigating the cause of the fire, with initial reports pointing to faulty electrical wiring.
Meanwhile, data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office showed that 31 families or 143 individuals were affected. They sought temporary shelter at Jalandoni Memorial Elementary School.
Barangay officials were also coordinating with affected residents to provide immediate assistance./PN
