A fire, traced back to an unattended lighted candle used during a shabu session, broke out in Barangay 5, San Carlos City on Friday, September 6, destroying 85 homes and displacing 106 families.
According to San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo, one of the individuals involved in the drug session surrendered to the police and admitted that the fire originated from their house. The candle, left unattended, ignited nearby flammable materials, leading to the rapid spread of the flames.
The fire which was raised to a third alarm resulted in minor injuries to two people and displaced nearly 400 individuals.
The local government has established temporary shelters at the Brgy. 4 Covered Court to accommodate those affected.
Gustilo appealed for public assistance, urging residents to donate clothing, food, or financial support to the fire victims. “Every small act of kindness can make a significant difference in helping our neighbors rebuild their lives,” he stated.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire lasted for an hour and a half with an estimated property damage is pegged at P750,000.
Fire trucks from neighboring stations and volunteer groups, including BFP Vallehermoso, Calatrava, Toboso, the Fil-Chinese Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, SCBI, and water tankers from Hda. Villa Lina, Hda. San Jose, and the CDRRMO, all assisted in the operation.
Firefighters encountered challenges during the operation due to limited water supply, which hampered their efforts to contain the blaze.
