Hundreds of residents hit by fire

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – More than 100 individuals  or 39 families were affected by fire that hit a residential area along Mabini-Luzuriaga Street, Purok Paghidaet, Barangay 29 here a day after the Christmas Day.

Based on a report of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod, the fire broke out in the house of Marites Logronio around 5:07 p.m. Tuesday.

The fire was raised to third alarm, destroying seven houses, and partially damaging six others.

The blaze damaged P1.8 million worth of properties, affecting around 1,000 square meter area, according to the BFP.

The BFP declared fire out at 5:54 p.m. Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause.

Alma Gustilo, officer-in-charge of Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), said that food packs and basic necessities were already provided by the local government to the affected residents.

Gustilo said that the financial assistance will be released to the fire victims next year, as they will need to conduct assessment first.

Gustilo said the fire victims are temporarily sheltered at the Mabini Elementary School.

Meanwhile, two families were also affected by fire that destroyed a house, and partially damaged another at Purok Malvar Cubay, Barangay Villamonte here around 1:41 p.m. yesterday.

Fire out was declared at 1:58 p.m., leaving an estimated P36,000 worth of damage.