93 homes damaged in San Carlos City fire

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Ninety-three houses were damaged in a fire that broke out in Greenville Bato, Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on Monday.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–San Carlos reported that 87 houses were totally razed while six others were partially damaged.

A concerned resident alerted local police, who then coordinated with the BFP after the blaze was first reported at 12:43 p.m.

Strong winds and lightweight construction materials allowed the fire to spread rapidly, resulting in estimated damage of PHP 2,613,450.

Firefighters faced difficulty accessing the area due to narrow pathways and the close proximity of homes.

The fire was declared out at 2:03 p.m., with no reported injuries.

City Fire Marshal Chief Insp. Erwin Johannes Gimotea said the initial investigation pointed to an “octopus connection” of extension cords as the likely cause of the fire.

The setup, involving multiple electrical connections from a single source, is considered hazardous.

Gimotea also said the fire occurred on privately owned land.

The BFP noted that another fire previously broke out in the same barangay, but in a different purok.

Mayor Renato Gustilo thanked emergency responders and all those who assisted the affected families.

The city government has extended relief assistance to the fire victims.