Shelters prepared for Roxas City fire victims

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – In the wake of the fire that ravaged Brgy. 7 on Tuesday afternoon, February 27, the displaced residents are slated to move to Tanza Ville in Brgy. Tanza, Roxas City. Mayor Ronnie Dadivas announced that the National Housing Authority (NHA) has readied housing units for those left homeless, organized through community collaboration known as “Bayanihan.”

Utility services, including electricity and water, have been provided by Capiz Electric Cooperative (Capelco) and Metro Roxas Water District (MRWD), respectively.

The blaze displaced about 377 individuals from 98 families and led to the loss of 75 homes.

Currently, the affected families have found temporary shelter at Rufina Andarada Santos Memorial School.

Initial reports indicate that the fire may have sparked in a house where lighted firewood was left unattended, quickly spreading to adjacent homes made of light materials.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Roxas declared the fire out by 3 p.m., thanks to the concerted effort of 15 fire trucks from Pontevedra, Panitan, Ivisan, Sapian, and volunteer organizations, including the Capiz Citizens Action Group and Ferocity.

The fire reached third-alarm status, necessitating additional support from neighboring fire stations.

Investigations continue to ascertain the exact cause and assess the overall damage, with preliminary cost estimates at P1.5 million.

Mayor Dadivas has pledged that the local government will provide P5,000 in financial aid to each family, with an additional P20,000.

The Uswag Ilonggo Partylist and other agencies, individuals, and businesses are also contributing further assistance.

Regrettably, the fire claimed the lives of two senior citizens, one with disabilities, who were reportedly unable to escape their homes.