Fire razes 24 houses in San Carlos City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A fire swept through a densely populated area in Barangay 5, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, shortly before noon Wednesday, destroying 24 houses.

Fire Officer 1 Rochel Ann Batayola, chief of the intelligence and investigation unit of the Bureau of Fire Protection–San Carlos City, said 21 homes were completely destroyed while three sustained partial damage.

The fire, which started around 11:19 a.m., quickly spread through the congested neighborhood.

Initial investigation indicated that unattended cooking caused the blaze, Batayola said.

The fire was declared out at 12:11 p.m. and caused an estimated PHP 306,250 in property damage.

No injuries were reported.

Batayola said 20 families were affected and are being housed temporarily by the barangay.