AROUND 22 houses were destroyed in a late morning blaze in Purok Makatarungan, Sitio Crossing in Tabunok, Talisay City on Friday, October 1, 2021.
Some residents in the area believed that the fire may have broke out due to an unattended welding machine.
The fire reportedly began at around 11:49 a.m.
A few minutes later, firefighters raised the fire to second alarm due to the difficulty of penetrating the area as most of the houses there were closely constructed together.
In an interview, Barangay Tabunok Councilor Vicente Rabaya said the area also had smaller pathways which prevented firefighters from further penetrating to the center of the blaze.
A subdivision near the fire site allowed firefighters to enter their vicinity so they can closely tackle the fire.
The fire was eventually placed under control at around 12:25 p.m.
The Talisay City Social Welfare Office account around 43 families who were displaced by the fire.
Chief Inspector Arnel Abella, Talisay City Fire Station chief, told reporters that the fire damage was pegged at P200,000.
While they are still conducting further investigation on the cause of the fire, some residents blamed the welding shop of one resident there to have caused the fire.
In a statement, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas said he was saddened that the fire occurred just as his city was starting their preparation for their annual fiesta in honor of St. Therese of Avila.
He has ordered the city social workers to account the families who were displaced by the fire.
While he was told by barangay officials that the fire victims are temporarily staying near the fire site, Gullas encouraged them to transfer to the multipurpose gym in Tabunok temporarily as a way to protect them from sudden weather changes.
He also requested social workers to provide free meals for the fire victims. (JKV)