January 25, 2010
La Paz fire kills 1, ruins 112 homes
RAGING INFERNO A fireman aims a hose gushing with water to a burning house in Nabitasan, La Paz, Iloilo City. The fire left 1 dead and burned down 112 homes early Saturday morning. (Photo by Tara Yap)
By Francis Allan L. Angelo and Tara Yap
THE Iloilo City government is appealing for more help for the victims of the conflagration that gobbled up more than 100 houses and killed 1 person at Brgy. Nabitasan, LaPaz district early Saturday morning.
The fire occurred as the city was in high spirits for the highlight of the 2010 Dinagyang Festival.
Fire officer 3 Joseph Gatilago of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the incident started past 12 midnight in the squatter area of Brgy. Nabitasan.
Trinidad Formacion, 48, died in the fire as she was trapped inside their house.
Firefighters recovered Formacion’s charred body inside their comfort room during the mopping-up operation that lasted until sunrise.
Gatilago said the cause is still under investigation but initial reports said a lighted candle inside the home of a certain Aurora Legazpi may have ignited the fire.
Residents complained of the slow response from the authorities, which caused the fire to spread to other homes.
Gatilago said 7 firetrucks from the city responded with several others from Filipino-Chinese fire volunteers.
Fire trucks from 12 towns including Tigbauan, Pavia, Oton, Pototan, Guimbal, Dumangas, Leon, San Miguel, Maasin, Cabatuan, Leganes, and Sta. Barbara also helped quell the blaze.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government has provided aid to the victims but they welcome help from other sectors.
Aids came in the form of food, containers for potable water and temporary lavatories and kitchens.
Latest reports from City Hall said a total of 183 families or 854 individuals were displaced after the fire.
The affected residents sought refuge in the Nabitasan covered gym and elementary school.
Treñas also pledged to provide construction materials so that the victims can reconstruct their houses.
The mayor will also request the City Council to declare Nabitasan under the state of calamity for the disbursement of calamity fund.
scrimgeour
