By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least four cafeterias were affected Sunday night following a fire at Helvetia Heights in Bacolod City’s Barangay Villamonte.
Bacolod City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Fire Marshal, Fire Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, said, based on initial investigation carried out arson investigators, the fire reportedly started at an establishment owned by a certain Mylene Sumalde.
He said the fire was caused by a leak from an LPG tanks as the regulator was not properly installed. The blaze then quickly spread to three other establishments.
While individuals escaped the four eateries, a nearby building was also evacuated out of fear the fire may further spread.
Meanwhile, traffic along Circumferential Road was halted as firetrucks occupied most of the road.
It took almost an hour before firefighters managed to fully douse the blaze.
Two establishments were completely gutted, while another two suffered heavy damage.
The BFP estimated property losses at P100,000.
Ploteña also confirmed, while no one was killed or injured, four dogs were killed after being trapped inside the burning establishments./DGB, WDJ