AN AFTERNOON fire destroyed 30 houses in Barangay Tabunok,Talisay City yesterday.
The fire struck Sitio Dauis-Nonoc, located about a kilometer from the main highway, at 2:59 p.m.
Local firefighters declared the fire under Task Force Alpha after discovering that the area cannot easily be penetrated by fire trucks.
The fire was placed under control in 15 minutes.
Damage was estimated around P150,000. Most of the houses were made of light materials.
It was the fourth fire to hit the city since the beginning of the year.
Senior Insp. Randy Mendaros, Talisay City fire marshal, told reporters yesterday that the fire started in the house of Bebe Anbasig.
Anbasig’s son was reportedly sleeping inside when he suddenly noticed smoke.
Mendaros said they are still looking into what caused the fire.
Leova Sarientos, 53, suffered burns on her right thigh and leg after she tried to rescue her dogs during the fire.
Majority of the fire victims were reportedly renting.
City Councilor Danilo Caballero said he has coordinated with the City Social Welfare Office to assist the victims.
The affected families are temporarily staying at the Tabunok Sports Complex.
Caballero, who used to chair the City Peace and Order Council, said they need to acquire “penetrator” fire trucks since many areas in the city have narrow routes.
He said he already asked the City Government to buy new fire trucks.