Firefighters battled through thick smoke and zero visibility to put out a blaze that destroyed seven houses and damaged three others at Purok Malipayon, Barangay 12, Bacolod City, Friday morning, May 7, Bacolod fire chief Rodel Legaspi said.
One firefighter, F01 John Vincent Batabat, sustained a laceration on his left palm while putting out the blaze.
The destruction from the fire, which began at about 9:34 a.m. and was placed under control at 10:46 a.m., was initially estimated at P450,000, Legaspi said.
Most of the houses hit by the blaze were two storey structures at San Juan Street made of concrete and wood, some of which also had eateries, small stores and a bakery.
The fire started from the house of Rosa and Rudy Agravante, Legaspi said.
Two children, aged four and five years old, of the family renting the first floor of the house played with matches and lighted a candle on their bed, which is believed to have accidentally triggered the fire, Legaspi said.
The person in charge of caring for the children was not feeling well and had fallen asleep, he said.
The seven houses destroyed belonged to Ruby Jane Cabo, Miguel Montelibano, Manuel Montelibano, Rosa and Rudy Agravante, Rosita Segovia, Cynthia Agravante and April Bergantino, he said.
Damaged were the houses of Raymar Barrios, Rose Sharon Estandarte and Rosenie Regalado, he added.
Legaspi said the smoke that was so thick and the narrow paths made it difficult for the firefighters to put out the blaze. In fact the firefighters used up all the air in their self contained breathing apparatus, he said.
The thick smoke from the fire also made visibility difficult even at the Bacolod public plaza.
Barangay 12 Captain Ely Alcantara said 15 families were affected by the fire.
Some of the fire victims went to the barangay hall to seek temporary shelter but many opted to stay with relatives, Alcantara said.
The Bacolod City government, the Church, and private individuals have provided assistance, including food, to the fire victims initially estimated at 80 individuals, barangay secretary Nelida Cordova said.
Bacolod Mayor Evelio, who went to the fire scene with Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, said he ordered the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Department of Social Services and Development to provide assistance to the fire victims, such as food packs, tents, hygiene kits, and other needed basic supplies.
The affected families will also receive financial assistance from the city, he said.*