Bacolod City fire destroys 32 houses; displaces 170 residents

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BACOLOD CITY — At least 32 houses were destroyed in a fire that broke out in Purok Magtiayon, Barangay 10 here shortly before noon on Thursday, Feb. 16.

Bacolod Social Welfare Officer Sally Abelarde said around 170 residents were affected by the fire and were temporarily housed at the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports (BAYS) Center on San Juan Street.

No fatality was reported.

The Bacolod Bureau of Fire Protection pegged damage at P155,000. However, the estimate is subject to revision following the victims’ submission of their affidavits of fire loss.

Firefighters arrived at Purok Magtiayon at 11:54 a.m. The fire was put out at 12:46 a.m., said Chief Inspector Rodel Legaspi, Bacolod fire marshal.

“We had difficulty putting out the blaze because houses were built close to each other and pathways were narrow,” he said.

Fire investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire.