By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An estimated P1.8 million worth of damage was caused by a residential fire at Purok Paghidaet in Bacolod City’s Barangay 29 on Tuesday afternoon, December 26.

Seven houses were completely gutted, while six received extensive damage, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod said.

The BFP raised the fire status to the “third alarm,” which required every available firetruck in the city to respond, shortly after they received a fire call at 5:07 p.m.

A “fire out” was declared before 6:00 p.m.

At least 39 families were affected in the blaze, and were forced to spend the night at the nearby Apolinario Mabini Elementary School.

Arson investigators later determined that the blaze originated from the house owned by a certain Marites Logronio.

The BFP believed that the fire was caused by an electrical ignition.

Meanwhile, Alma Gustilo, officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Services and Development in Bacolod, said they are now preparing financial assistance for families affected by the blaze.

Gustilo said they are now evaluating the list and have already distributed food packs and hygiene kits to the affected residents.

She added that residents whose homes were destroyed in the fire will receive cash assistance amounting to P15,000, while homeowners with damaged houses will receive P10,000.

She further added that they are also assessing residents who will be qualified for relocation to the city housing units./DGB, WDJ