BY JEN BAYLON
CAPIZ – A blaze that broke out an hour before New Year rapidly engulfed five commercial stalls along Villareal Highway in Barangay Poblacion Tabuc, Mambusao.
A bakery was totally burned, while a home depot, a lechon manok stall, and two vacant stalls were partially damaged.
Senior Fire Officer 2 Donaldo Marquez, an arson investigator of the Mambusao Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), estimated the damages at over P752,500.
Marquez explained that despite the immediate response, they faced challenges due to a shortage of water supply, prompting the fire to be raised to “5th alarm” status.
A total of 11 firetrucks from various fire stations augmented the two firetrucks from BFP-Mambusao, responded.
The fire was eventually brought under control at 12:29 a.m., with an “all-clear” given at 1:09 a.m. on Jan. 1.
The affected building is owned by Rosario Arboleda and Alden Nuñez. Fortunately, the residential houses behind the affected establishment were spared from the fire’s reach.
Further investigation as to the cause of the blaze is ongoing./PN
