BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – What exactly caused Monday’s blaze in Purok Neptune, Barangay Singcang-Airport?
It may have started in the house of Teresa Pistaño and Shiela Sanong, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), citing initial information gathered.
Witnesses also reported that the explosions – they allegedly heard at least four – were either caused by a plugged clothes iron or the main switch.
Fire Chief Inspector Rodel Legaspi, BFP-Bacolod Fire Marshal, said at least 25 houses were destroyed.
A separate report of Barangay Singcang-Airport officials, meanwhile, showed 30 more houses were partially damaged.
Legaspi said the initial damage was estimated at P350,000.
As of yesterday, the count of affected families rose to 65. They were being sheltered at J.R. Torres Elementary School.
Legaspi said the fire spread quickly because most of the houses were made of light materials.
“We are thankful no one died or got injured,” Legaspi said.
Singcang-Airport barangay captain Rosinie Distrito said food packs from Cong. Greg Gasataya were immediately sent to the affected families.
Several individuals also donated clothes, water and medicine.
Distrito confirmed that Mayor Evelio Leonardia will give financial assistance.
To avoid a repeat of the incident, Distrito said they would create another road in the area for it to become more accessible to emergency vehicles./PN
