• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A minor died while 27 houses were destroyed when a fire broke out in Purok Ipil-Ipil, Barangay 1 San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on March 15.
Thirty families, composed of 109 individuals, were affected and are now housed at the barangay hall covered court, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
In a radio interview, Fire Officer 1 Reynan Jundos, BFP investigator on case, said the four-year-old victim, believed to have been trapped, was found inside a burned residence.
A woman was also reported to have suffered a first degree burn.
While BFP investigators are still trying to determine the cause, Jundos said the fire originated from the house of a certain “Norisa”, based on the initial investigation.
The estimated damage is still being assessed.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office, assisted by the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter, have responded to the needs of the affected residents. | GB
