‘Electrical connections’ seen as cause of Boracay fire

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Boracay is looking into “electrical connections” as the potential cause of a Christmas Eve fire in the densely populated area in Boracay Island.

BFP Boracay Fire Officer I Jose Marie Vincent Torre said witnesses saw the fire start at the three-storey residential house of an Aiza Mambuay. The fire started at 10:50 a.m. and was put out officially at 2:45 p.m. on December 24.

The fire developed along the main road of Sitio Ambulong in Barangay Manoc-Manoc. It then spread quickly to neighboring houses made of light materials and gutted more or less 50 structures. 

“Gin admit man ni Aiza na idto naghalin ro ka-eayu. Mayad eang nakaguwa ro unga na 11-year old na naga-katueog (Aiza admitted the fire started in their house.Her 11-year old physically disabled son who was sleeping was fortunate. He was able to get out of their house during the fire incident),” he said in a dialect.

The damages have been pegged initially at P10-million. No casualties have been report. At least 10 persons sustained injuries. BFP said the investigation is ongoing, but single out “electrical connections” as the main cause.

In the meantime, at least 80 families were temporarily evacuated to the Barangay Manoc-Manoc evacuation center.

The local government of Malay along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) also extended assistance to the victims of fire.

Meanwhile, BFP Boracay fire chief Senior Fire Officer 2 Oscar De Borja, Jr. warned the public of using sky lanterns during the New Year celebrations.

He said sky lanterns are dangerous and could lead to bigger fire in residential areas in Boracay Island. – Rappler.com