Electrical arcing triggers massive Bacolod fire, displaces 200 families

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod is looking into electrical ignition due to arcing as the cause of a huge fire that left more than 200 families homeless in Purok Katilingban, Barangay 39, here on Friday.

Fire Insp. Jemarie Tapiru, deputy city fire marshal, said the number of burned houses rose to 112 from an initial count of 89.

Of the total, 103 were totally damaged and nine others were partially damaged, as of Saturday.

Tapiru said the fire broke out in the storage room of a boarding house. She explained that an electrical wire was installed through a hole in the roof.

Due to strong winds, the wire repeatedly struck the roof, which caused it to get damaged and eventually ignite, leading to the fire.

The blaze destroyed PHP 1.74 million worth of properties.

One of the fire victims, Marites, shared in a radio interview that it was the second time their house was hit by fire, following a similar incident in September 2014.

An emotional Marites said she was not able to save anything and appealed to Mayor Greg Gasataya for relocation.

Gasataya visited the fire victims on Friday night, checking on their situation after the tragedy and assuring them of assistance from the city government.

He also thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development for its relief efforts for the affected residents.

Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez also mobilized relief operations to provide immediate support and extended food assistance to the displaced families.

Benitez emphasized the importance of swift response during emergencies, assuring fire victims that assistance will continue as they begin to recover and rebuild their homes.

“In times of crisis, it is important that we respond quickly to ensure that affected families have food on their tables and the support they need,” he added.

He assured continued assistance until the residents can recover from the tragedy.