BACOLOD City — A fire razed 26 houses in Purok Tahong, Barangay 2, here at around 2:11 a.m. on December 19, displacing at least 35 individuals but causing no casualties.
Initial investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod City Fire Station showed that the blaze allegedly originated from the house of Marcelino Pitogo. Most of the affected structures were made of light materials, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Authorities initially estimated the damage at around P125,000. The fire reached only the first alarm level, as the swift response of BFP firefighters prevented further destruction in the densely populated area.
Mayor Greg Gasataya personally visited the affected residents early Friday morning. The displaced families were temporarily sheltered at a chapel within the purok.
The city government, through the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), distributed food packs and hygiene kits as initial assistance. Gasataya said the DSSD has also started processing financial assistance for the affected families.
Meanwhile, the BFP continues its investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, which was initially reported to have been triggered by an unattended candle./PN
