AT LEAST 30 houses were razed by fire at 15th Lacson Street, Purok Magnolia, Barangay 7, Bacolod City, Thursday night, July 6.
City Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Stephen Jardeleza said Friday, July 7, the fire started from the house owned by Richard Benjamen.
The fire immediately spread to other houses that were made of light materials.
Jardeleza said they had difficulty penetrating the area because of the narrow passageways. It was also a challenge to use the water hose to reach the affected area.
He said one of the residents, who was identified as Edmon Base, sustained a laceration on his body when he tried to save some of their belongings.
The fire was put out at about 1:36 a.m. Friday, July 7, and it destroyed at least P350,000 worth of properties.
The BFP raised a third alarm status, and they are still conducting further investigation to determine the cause of the fire that affected at least 66 families.
The affected residents are temporarily staying in Barangay 7 Daycare Center.
Meanwhile, the City Government of Bacolod already distributed its assistance to affected families in Barangay 7.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez immediately responded to the area and checked the situation of the affected residents.
Benitez also ordered the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) to assist fire victims such as food packs, tents, and hygiene kits, among others.
Benitez also held a meeting with the BFP, DRRMO, DSSD, and the barangay officials at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) Friday afternoon, July 7.
This, after Benitez noticed some lapses when the fire incident occurred in Barangay 7,
Benitez said that when he arrived in the area, about six houses were razed by fire, but it reached 29 houses.
He said the area has narrow passageways and the firefighters also ran out of water while battling the blaze.
“We should be prepared on this kind of incident to avoid further damages,” he added.
For his part, Jardeleza said the water of their firetruck will only last for five minutes then they need to refill it.
Due to the narrow passageways, he said their empty firetrucks took at least 15 minutes to refill the water.
“We also have our strategy to avoid further damages and we assure the safety of our constituents,” he added.
Jardeleza noted that at least 10 firetrucks responded to the area along with the fire volunteers.
Moreover, Sally Abelarde, officer-in-charge of DSSD, said they determined that 26 houses were destroyed and three houses were damaged with seven sharers and 32 renters.
She said they are now facilitating the documents for the release of financial assistance to the affected families.
For those who are willing to help, Abelarde said the social workers are accepting donations at Barangay 7.*