By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Around P4.3 million worth of properties were gutted in a residential fire at the Home for the Blind in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mansilingan on Saturday afternoon, January 13.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod said three homes were destroyed, while two others suffered extensive damage in the blaze that lasted for 22 minutes.

The BFP had a slight difficulty in extinguishing the blaze due to strong winds, as the houses were made of light materials.

A “fire out” was declared at 1:46 p.m.

At least 29 affected families were temporarily sheltered at the Barangay Mansilingan multipurpose gym.

The fire reportedly started at the residence of a certain Antonieta Florogo.

According to Florogo, she and her partner went to the downtown area, leaving behind her niblings when the fire occurred.

She admitted that she uses a butane gas stove for cooking.

However, she denied that it was the cause of the blaze as her niblings do not know how to cook.

Florogo claimed that an occupant allegedly plugged an electrical device that sparked and ultimately caused the blaze.

The BFP is conducting an investigation and validating if the fire was indeed caused by an electrical issue.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Bacolod is listing the names of the affected residents for financial aid.

The Home for the Blind is operated by DSSD.

Village officials also vowed that they would immediately process the financial assistance.

The city government has also provided relief goods and hygiene kits to the affected residents./DGB, WDJ