SOME 22 houses were destroyed in a noon blaze in Purok Makatarungan, Sitio Crossing in Tabunok, Talisay City on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Some residents in the area believed that the fire may have broken out due to an unattended welding machine.
The fire began at 11:49 a.m.
A few minutes later, firefighters raised the fire to second alarm due to the difficulty of penetrating the area as most of the houses were closely constructed together.
In an interview, Barangay Tabunok councilor Vicente Rabaya said the area also has small pathways, preventing firefighters from penetrating the center of the blaze.
A subdivision near the fire site allowed firefighters to enter their vicinity so they could closely tackle the fire.
The fire was placed under control at 12:25 p.m.
The Talisay City Social Welfare Office accounted 43 families who were displaced by the fire.
Chief Insp. Arnel Abella, Talisay City Fire Station chief, told reporters that the fire damage was pegged at P200,000.
While they are still looking into the cause of the fire, some residents blamed the welding shop of one resident there to have caused the fire.
In a statement, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas said he was saddened that the fire occurred just as his city was starting their preparation for their annual fiesta in honor of St. Therese of Avila.
He has ordered city social workers to account the families who were displaced by the fire.
While he was told by barangay officials that the fire victims are temporarily staying near the fire site, Gullas encouraged them to transfer to the multipurpose gym in Tabunok temporarily as a way to protect them from sudden weather changes.
He also requested social workers to provide free meals for the fire victims. (JKV)