Fire Converts Houses Into Ashes

Purok 2, C. Laserna St., Poblacion, Kalibo at the height of the fire.

It was Saturday at C. Laserna, Poblacion, Kalibo. The time was about 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon, it was siesta time. Most of the people were quietly enjoying their rest.

But suddenly, there was smoke, it exploded, there was ball of fire. The people were awakened. One shouted "help!" Please call the firemen! Please call the police!"

The police came, the firemen arrived, parked their fire truck by the bank of Aklan river. There was large quantity of water draining to the sea, but the equipment was not enough to siphon water to control the fire. There were volunteers who helped extinguish the fire, still the fire raged. The residents fetched water in the river using cans. The fire burst into flame.

The fire victims tried to salvage their belongings. Some stole it. What a disgrace!

Bright individuals with bright ideas came. They called assistance from other towns. Firemen came to help extinguish the fire. Firemen with their fire trucks from Pontevedra, Ivisan, and Sapian, Capiz came. Firemen from the neighboring towns came to assist extinguish the fire.

The fire was under control after about two hours of purgatory. Some 250 houses were turned into ashes, and about 2,500 persons rendered homeless. The total estimated damage is P10 billion. There was no casually.

The fire victims were temporarily housed in ABL sports complex, Estancia, Kalibo. Feeding programs were done, relief goods were given such as food, clothes, and beddings. Mr. Pete Ruiz of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Aklan managed the evacuation center.

LGU Kalibo with Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo led in the provision of relief goods. Sen. Mar Roxas also sent relief goods. Other assistance came from the Philippine Natl. Red Cross Aklan, Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores, Provincial Social Welfare office, and civic organizations. /MP