By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least six houses were destroyed yesterday after a fire broke out in a residential neighborhood of Purok Maninihon in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City.

Based on information forwarded by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) arson investigator, Fire Officer 2 (FO2) Carlo Vincent Mallari, the fire was reported around 1:05 p.m.

BFP and local fire volunteer groups immediately responded, while residents were unable to save their belonging as the fire quickly spread.

Firefighters quelled the blaze around 30 minutes after receiving the call.

Initial findings by Mallari revealed the fire started at a house rented by Janine Villanueva.

Mallari pointed out the fire quickly spread because a majority of the homes were made of light materials, with damages estimated at P100,000.

BFP is currently probing what caused the blaze as Villanueva was not home when the fire reportedly started.

Barangay Pahanocoy officials, meanwhile, provided assistance to those affected.

The victims of the fire will be temporarily housed at a covered court near the barangay hall./DGB, WDJ