BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Twenty-one houses were destroyed and 10 others partially damaged by a fire in Purok Magti-ayon, Barangay 10 here yesterday.
Fire Chief Inspector Rodel Legaspi, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Bacolod City fire marshal, said the fire broke out around 11:53 a.m. and was declared under control around 12:27 p.m. A “fire out” was declared at 12:46 p.m.
Battling the blaze, however, was difficult due to the narrow passageways in the area, which prompted some of the firefighters to climb up a perimeter wall located behind a restaurant, said Legaspi.
The said restaurant was also forced to evacuate their diners due to the smoke generated by the blaze.
The fire was further worsened by strong winds which further fanned the blaze.
BFP-Bacolod said a total of 31 families were affected and pegged the cost of damage at P155,000, with majority of the houses made of light materials.
Legaspi added there were no reported deaths, although several residents suffered minor injuries while trying to flee or saving whatever belongings they could save.
Some individuals were also treated for minor smoke inhalation.
As of this writing, arson investigators are still investigating the report that an electrical post in the area sparked prior to the blaze./PN
