P18,000 in properties lost to Roxas City fire

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Around P18,000 in properties went up in smoke after a fire gobbled four houses owned by the Albay family on Sept. 27,  2022 in Brgy. Tiza here.

According to arson investigator FO3 Albert Amago of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Roxas City, they could not yet ascertain the cause of the fire.

He said they took samples of burned electrical wiring for testing. They are looking at electrical short circuit or a lighted mosquito repellant as possible causes of the fire.

The houses of couple Ramon and Josefina Albay and son Johnny Albay were razed to the ground while the coffee shop located nearby was damaged.

Ramon Albay said the fire gutted their house, which was made of light materials, in just 5 minutes.

His son Johnny sustained first-degree burns when he attempted to enter one of the burning houses.

All their belongings were damaged except for the two motor tricycles that were saved.

The couple also suspects that Christmas lights may have caused the fire.

Meanwhile, the Roxas City government immediately sent relief assistance to the victims.

Mayor Ronnie Dadivas said that aside from the hygiene kit and food, the city will give the victims financial assistance to start rebuilding their houses.