By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Around 16 homes were completely destroyed, while seven others were damaged, after a fire broke out early yesterday morning at Purok Kabukiran in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) arson investigator, Fire Officer 2 (FO2) John Mondido, said the blaze initially started on the second floor of a house owned by a certain Letecia Manculob.

Mondido said they are currently considering an unattended candle as the cause of the blaze, as the area was reported experiencing a power interruption.

He also said the fire quickly spread because the majority of homes in the area were made of light materials and were constructed too close to each other.

The fire also reached “Third Alarm” status, prompting the BFP to call for additional backup from local fire volunteer groups to quell the blaze.

Damages are estimated at P180,000.

Thirty one families, or around 120 individuals, are temporarily being sheltered at Bacolod City National High School, while local barangay officials are presently appealing for relief assistance./DGB, WDJ