BACOLOD City – On All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, two separate fire incidents in Negros Occidental led to the destruction of at least 11 houses.
In Kabankalan City, a fire that broke out in Purok 6, Barangay 1 around 3 p.m. was suspected to have been caused by an unattended candle.
Fire Officer 3 John Derick Villaruz, chief arson investigator of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Kabankalan City, reported that eight houses were completely gutted and two were partially destroyed.
The estimated damage was around P75,000.
The fire escalated to a first alarm status. Aa 67-year-old woman suffered first-degree burns, and two motorcycles were also damaged.
Another fire occurred in Bacolod City, engulfing the house owned by 81-year-old Cecilia Bayling in Purok Mabinuligon, Barangay 30, around 4 p.m.
Senior Fire Officer 4 Archie Españo, chief arson investigator of BFP-Bacolod City, confirmed that Bayling managed to escape from her burning house.
However, the fire resulted in significant losses, with damages estimated at around P275,000. This included the belongings of Bayling’s nine boarders.
The likely cause of this fire was also an unattended lighted candle at the altar. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
