By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
At least 30 homes were destroyed, while two others suffered extensive damage following a fire at Purok Magnolia in Bacolod City’s Barangay 7 late Thursday night, July 6.
Fire Marshall Chief Inspector Stephen Jardeleza of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod, said 66 families were affected by the blaze at 11:09 p.m., with damages estimated at around P350,000.
Jardeleza added that no one was killed in the fire, but one resident suffered minor injuries.
He said the blaze reached third alarm, which required them to deploy available fire trucks to the scene.
He added that they encountered difficulty entering the area due to narrow streets.
They had to contend with the affected residents fleeing from the blaze and trying to save their belongings.
The fire also spread easily among the houses as most of the structures were made of light materials.
The firefighters took more than an hour to control the blaze.
A fire out was declared at past 1:30 a.m.
Jardeleza said the fire originated from the home of Richard Benjamin, but they have yet to determine what caused the blaze.
However, some residents told Watchmen Daily Journal, that an occupant allegedly tried to “invent or experiment” car batteries.
Reports said the person inadvertently left the soldering gun plugged in and might have caused the fire.
Jardeleza said they are currently concentrating their investigation on the residents’ claims.
Fire response
Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez convened a crucial meeting yesterday to address pressing issues related to disaster response and firefighting strategies following the fire at Barangay 7.
The importance of incorporating drones into the city’s emergency response system was discussed in the meeting together with BFP-Bacolod, the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and water distributing utility firms at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Hall.
By utilizing drones equipped with visual technology, authorities could overcome obstacles and effectively locate and assess emergency situations.
Authorities also acknowledged that there are instances where accessing affected areas becomes challenging or dangerous.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of establishing red zones within the city barangays, as it would serve as a way to alert residents to follow specific protocols during emergencies, particularly in case of fire.
The red zones would help prevent congestion and facilitate a prompt and coordinated response from the relevant authorities.
On the other hand, the Bacolod City Water District will initiate and explore potential collaborations regarding water availability during firefighting operations.
The feasibility of procuring additional water tankers will ensure an adequate water supply for all the fire brigades operating in the city./DGB, WDJ