CAPIZ – A late afternoon fire broke out in Sitio Malic, Barangay Poblacion Ilaya, Pontevedra town on June 24, completely razing one house and partially damaging another.
The house of Anna Burata Dy, made of mixed light materials, was totally engulfed in flames, leaving no trace behind. Meanwhile, the adjacent home of Gemma Barogo sustained partial damage. Both structures, being made of light materials, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. A portion of a nearby parked vehicle was also scorched.
According to reports, a 16-year-old occupant of Dy’s household saw sparks and smoke coming from an electrical wire and immediately called for help from neighbors and a security guard at a nearby mall. Residents tried to put out the fire but were quickly overwhelmed by the fast-spreading flames.
Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Pontevedra, along with responders from BFP–Panitan, BFP–President Roxas, BFP–Panay, and the Capiz Citizen Action Group (CACAG), promptly arrived at the scene and worked together to extinguish the blaze.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, most of the victims’ belongings were destroyed, with only a cellphone salvaged.
Municipal Administrator Jhong Tumlos said the local government is coordinating with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to provide immediate assistance and temporary shelter to the affected families.
As of writing, the BFP–Pontevedra continues to investigate the exact cause of the fire and is assessing the full extent of the damage./PN
