AT LEAST 200 houses burned down last night in Sitio Sambagan, Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, despite the efforts of 10 firefighting teams from nearby cities and towns.
Five persons, unidentified as of press time by fire investigators, suffered burns during the commotion.
Barangay Captain Manuel Cabriana nearly lost his house to the flames, which damaged part of his garage and burned two vehicles.
Talisay Fire Chief Felipe Canillas said that the department received the call for help at 4:20 p.m. and firefighters declared the blaze under control around 5:05 p.m.
Initial investigation suggested that the flames began when sparks from an electrical post landed on a pile of bamboo slats and amakan sheets that were displayed for sale.
A strong wind fanned and spread the flames quickly.
Cabriana opened his gates to help those living behind the sports complex make their way out quickly.
An initial estimate placed damage to property at P300,000, but this could quickly rise given the number of houses lost.
After word of the third-alarm fire spread, firefighting teams apart from Talisay’s rushed to the scene, including those from San Fernando, Naga, Minglanilla, Pardo, Labangon, San Nicolas, Naga, the Red Cross and the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation. (From VLM of Superbalita)
