Fire destroys 26 homes in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — More than 70 families were displaced after a fire destroyed 26 houses in Purok Magnolia here on Tuesday.

Fire Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, said the fire broke out in the bedroom of a two-story house around 11:20 a.m.

Masip said 21 houses were totally destroyed and five others were partially damaged.

Masip said electrical ignition caused by arcing triggered the fire.

She added that the homeowner left lights plugged into a loose outlet for two days.

She said the house was unoccupied because it was supposed to be used as a boarding house.

Masip said the fire was raised to second alarm because the area is considered a red zone and the blaze grew bigger, affecting structures made of mixed concrete and mostly light materials.

Masip said the two injured victims sustained first-degree burns and suffered from high blood pressure.

The fire was declared out at 11:52 a.m., leaving an estimated PHP 520,000 worth of damage.

Masip said the fire victims are staying at the barangay covered court.

The Department of Social Services and Development has extended initial assistance to the affected residents.