5 hurt, 20 houses razed in Iloilo fire

CEBU, Philippines – Five persons were injured while 20 houses were damaged in a fire that hit a crowded neighborhood in Barangay Veterans Village at the City Proper in Iloilo City before dawn yesterday.

Except for Julie Agado, 29, who suffered first degree burn on her left arm, other victims who incurred minor injuries were Nino Pagayon, 27, Genoveva de Asis, 59, Ramon Agado, 33, and Estrella Pagunaha, 80.

Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Iloilo City immediately responded but narrow alleys hampered their operations.

Since most houses were made of light materials, the fire quickly spread and ate up the 20 houses, causing damage to property of around P1 million. Of the 20 houses, 16 were razed to the ground while four were partially burned.

Many residents failed to save their belongings, as some of them were roused with a warning of fire and quickly vacated their houses.

Initial investigation showed the fire could have started at the house of Fernando de Asis. There was reportedly a power interruption in the area and the fire started after the power went back. The BFP-Iloilo said it was possible that an electrical short circuit caused the incident.