• GILBERT P. BAYORAN

A huge fire destroyed 85 houses and partially damaged two others Friday night at Gustilo Street in Barangay 5, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, leaving 106 families homeless.
The fire that engulfed a 3,000 square-meter area caused damage estimated at P750,000, according to the Bureau of Fire and Protection.
The BFP further reported that the fire, which lasted about 90 minutes, was believed to have been triggered by an unattended lit cigarette.
Based on the reports of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the 318 fire victims are now temporarily staying at the covered court of Brgy. 4 in San Carlos City, where the San Carlos City government is attending to their basic needs, such as food and non-food items.
BFP investigator Fire Officer 3 Joseph Earl Solivio disclosed that two persons of interest related to the fire incident are currently in the custody of the San Carlos City police, as witnesses claimed that the fire originated from the house they are occupying.
Solivio admitted that their efforts to combat the fire were hampered by limited water supply, although there were no reported injuries among the fire victims, as well as the responders.
Fire trucks from neighboring stations and volunteer groups, including BFP Vallehermoso, Calatrava, Toboso, the Fil-Chinese Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, SCBI, and water tankers from Hacienda Villa Lina, Hda. San Jose, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, assisted in the operation.
“Simple precautions can save lives and property,” Solivio emphasized, as he urged residents to remain vigilant with regard to fire safety, especially when it comes to unattended appliances and candles.
The BFP also expressed its appreciation to the support of the San Carlos City government, and called for continued vigilance in fire prevention efforts.*