ROXAS City – Three houses were partially damaged in a fire that broke out at around 6:30 p.m. on July 2, in Sitio Pa-on, Barangay Dumulog, Roxas City.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire originated in the home of 78-year-old Vergilio Bartolome. Although made primarily of concrete materials, the house sustained significant interior damage. Two nearby houses owned by Antonio Artates and Randy Artates were also partially affected.
In an interview, Shirley Bong-ao, daughter of Bartolome, shared that her brother-in-law heard a series of popping sounds coming from a room on the second floor. When he went to check, he found the room already engulfed in flames.
At the time of the incident, four people were inside the Bartolome residence — Vergilio Bartolome, a niece/nephew, a sibling, and the brother-in-law. All were on the ground floor and were able to evacuate safely and immediately called for help.
Bong-ao also mentioned that there were no appliances plugged in the room where the fire reportedly began.
Fire volunteers, along with personnel from BFP Roxas, responded promptly and were able to contain the blaze. The fire was declared under control and fully extinguished by 7:24 p.m.
Despite losing part of their home and personal belongings, the Bartolome family expressed gratitude that no one was hurt in the incident.
As of press time, BFP Roxas continued its investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and the estimated cost of damage./PN
