By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Around 40 houses were either damaged or destroyed following a fire at Purok Neptune in Bacolod City’s Barangay Singcang-Airport yesterday afternoon.

The fire started shortly after 4:00 p.m. although the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod City has yet to say as to where the fire initially started.

Residents, however, claimed that they heard at least four explosions at a store located at the inner portion of the purok.

The fire quickly spread among the houses and residents tried to save any belongings and livestock they have, and quickly evacuated the area.

Some of the male residents got several buckets and started getting water from the nearby river and throwing it into the flames.

However, strong winds in the area further fueled the fire and more homes were quickly engulfed in flames.

Fighting fire was also difficult as the area where fire was centered is far away from the main road.

The BFP and several fire volunteer groups soon arrived and helped quell the blaze.

It took firefighters at least 30 to 45 minutes to put the fire out.

The BFP and officials of Barangay Singcang-Airport have not reported any casualties.

As of press time, it is still unclear as to where the affected residents are going to be sheltered, although reliable sources told members of the media that the affected residents will be brought to the Jose R. Torres Elementary School.

The BFP is also assessing the damages and property loss caused by the fire./DGB, WDJ