BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
SAN CARLOS City – A fire tore through a densely populated area on corner Endrina and V. Gustilo streets in Barangay 5, displacing 106 families and damaging 85 homes.
The blaze, which consumed approximately 3,000 square meters, resulted in an estimated P750,000 in property damage, according to the Rapid Damage and Needs Analysis (RDNA).
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported receiving an emergency call at 8:44 p.m. on Friday, September 6, with the fire — believed to have been ignited by an unattended cigarette — being declared extinguished at 10:27 p.m.
The fire lasted approximately an hour and a half.
Initial reports from the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) indicated that around 318 individuals were affected.
Registration for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Barangay 4 Covered Court was still underway as of this writing.
Fire Officer 3 Joseph Earl Solivio, the head investigator, confirmed that two individuals were in custody following witness accounts suggesting the fire started in their home.
Firefighters faced significant challenges, including a limited water supply, but fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported among civilians or responders.
Assistance came from neighboring fire stations, volunteer groups, and water tankers from various locations, including BFP Vallehermoso, Calatrava, Toboso, the Fil-Chinese Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, SCBI, and the CDRRMO.
The local government is providing temporary shelter and essential supplies at the Barangay 4 Covered Court while assessing the situation and coordinating further support.
Solivio emphasized the importance of fire safety, urging residents to exercise caution with appliances and candles to prevent such incidents.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage./PN
