BACOLOD CITY – A fire of unknown cause struck a residential area at Purok Magtiayon, Barangay 10 here before noon on Thursday, Feb. 16, and gutted at least 31 houses.
Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire that left an estimated P155,000 worth of damage.
Chief Insp. Rodel Legaspi, head of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod, said that 21 houses were destroyed while 10 others were damaged.
The fire broke out around 11:53 a.m. reportedly from a house situated in the middle area and owned by a 42-year-old Edson Lorania.
Legaspi said that Lorania’s house was reportedly empty when the blaze occurred. The fire immediately spread to neighboring houses made of mixed concrete and light materials.
Legaspi said that firefighters had difficulty penetrating the affected area because of narrow passageways.
Nevertheless, the firefighters were able to cordon the area and contain the fire, which was declared out at around 12:46 p.m.
Legaspi said some residents suffered minor injuries as they tried to save their valuables.
Meanwhile, a patrol car driven by a policeman was on its way to respond to a fire incident when it figured in an accident in the said barangay.
Based on the investigation, the patrol car was hit by a pick-up truck, causing injuries to both drivers.
They were taken to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) here. Both were already in stable condition.