Fire injures two, destroys 41 houses

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two people were injured after a fire razed 41 houses, made of light materials, and left P1 million worth of damage at Barangay Mambulac of Silay City, Negros Occidental, Tuesday evening.

The province’s Bureau of Fire Protection identified the victims as Ian Lopez and Oliver Rabanes, both sustained minor burns on their hands during the fire.

Fire Officer 3 Prinie Melgar said the fire broke out at 7 p.m. and lasted for more than two hours. He said  the cause of the fire was a lighted candle, which was left unattended in the house of Albert Madangal, during a blackout in the area.

Emilia Villavicencio, Silay Social Welfare and Development officer, said the fire affected 179 persons, who were evacuated to the barangay's gym and civic center. Relief assistance were distributed to them, while P5,000 cash would be given to each family whose house was razed.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the provincial government also extended relief aid to the fire victims, and cash aid will soon be given them also. — Marchel P. Espina (FREEMAN)