BY ADRIAN P. NEMES III
Fire destroyed eight houses and damaged five others in Purok Alalahoy, Brgy. Banago, Bacolod City past 11 p.m. Sunday.
The fire was only put out at about 12 a.m. yesterday as the pathway leading to the area where it started was narrow, Fire Officer 1 Romel Ivan Labansauan told the DAILY STAR.
Labansauan said residents also helped in putting out the fire but since the houses are mostly made of light materials, it easily spread in the area.
He said that, in an attempt to help in putting out the fire, a resident identified as Carlo Ambalo climbed to a roof with a pail of water but fell and was injured.
Aside from the houses, the purok hall was also destroyed by the fire, Labansauan said.
Investigation showed that the fire, of still unknown cause, originated from the house of Moreto Marefusque.
The fire reached second alarm status and resulted in P100,000 worth of damage.
Bacolod fire marshal, Chief Insp. Publio Plotena, said they are still conducting an investigation to ascertain what really triggered the fire.
The city social services and development, together with barangay officials, already assisted the fire victims and gave them food packs. Majority of the fire victims decided to stay with their relatives. Any donation should be coursed through the Barangay Banago officials, the CSWD said.*
