Fire hurts 1, razes 35 houses

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – A man was injured while 60 families lost a total of 35 houses from a fire that struck Purok Lampirong at Barangay 2 in this city at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Publio Plotena, city fire marshal, identified the injured as Jimmy Pinongpong, who sustained minor burns on his right upper abdomen.

Plotena said the fire also killed eight pigs — livestock was the primary livelihood of the affected residents — and left an estimated damage of P250,000, after razing 31 houses and destroying four others, all of light materials. .

Initial investigation showed the fire started from the house of Criselda Benzuela, where three minors, aged four and five, were seen earlier playing matches.

City Councilor Claudio Puentevella said the city government had already extended relief assistance to the affected families, and provided tents for their temporary shelters.

Puentevella said that as soon as the arson investigators’ report is out, “we will review the amount of financial aid to be extended to the victims.” He further urged the public to donate used clothing and beddings to the victims.