BACOLOD City – In the early hours of July 31, a fire in Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2 left 81 families without homes.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the blaze erupted around 3:26 a.m. and resulted in the destruction of 78 houses and damage to eight others.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire by 4:48 a.m., with no casualties or injuries reported.
Superintendent Jenny Mae Masip, the city fire marshal, said the fire originated from an abandoned house owned by Monaliza Magbanua. It was temporarily occupied by an individual named Waldo, who had been residing there for about two months.
The preliminary investigation suggests the fire was likely caused by an open flame from a lighted improvised mosquito repellent.
Following the incident, displaced residents found temporary refuge in local chapels and the barangay hall, with others staying with relatives.
Alma Gustilo, head of the city government’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), announced that the city has provided food packs and hygiene kits to the victims.
Additionally, financial assistance of P15,000 for completely destroyed homes, P10,000 for damaged homes, and P5,000 for sharers will be distributed to those affected.
Gustilo encouraged those wishing to assist the fire victims to coordinate with the barangay, emphasizing the urgent need for support./PN
