Fire displaces 12 families in Bacolod

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — A total of 12 families, or 42 individuals, were displaced after a fire broke out at Purok Santol, Barangay Mandalagan, last Wednesday.

Chief Inspector Stephen Jardeleza, city fire marshal, said the blaze started around 1:30 p.m., destroying two houses and partially damaging one.

Jardeleza stated that the fire originated from the kitchen area of Jasmin Nuñez’s two-story house and spread to two other houses. He added that the houses are mostly built of light materials.

Jardeleza noted that an elderly woman felt unwell, probably due to nervousness or smoke inhalation. Rescuers tended to her and gave her oxygen, he added.

Based on their initial investigation, Jardeleza said the fire patterns suggested that the blaze was caused by a butane canister. However, he could not elaborate further pending the investigation.

The firefighting operation lasted for about 10 minutes until the fire was placed under control at 1:45 p.m., according to Jardeleza. The fire was declared out at 2:46 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The fire left an estimated P630,000 worth of damage.

The city government has already extended assistance to the affected households, including hygiene kits, food packs, sleeping kits, and hot meals.