Faulty electric wire ignites 4th alarm fire

MANILA, Philippines - At least 10 families were rendered homeless by a fire reportedly caused by a defective electrical wiring yesterday morning in Navotas City.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Saldy Bajado, of the Navotas City Bureau of Fire Protection, said the fire started at the house of couple Benjie and Jennifer Batiancila at around 8:22 a.m. on Lapu-Lapu Avenue, Barangay North Bay Boulevard North.

“Investigation conducted by arson prober Senior Fire Officer 1 Anecito San Juan showed that the blaze was triggered by a short circuit caused by a defective electrical wiring at the couple’s room on the third floor of their house,” Bajado told The STAR. Bajado said the fire spread rapidly inside the Batiancilas house and gutted three more adjacent houses in the area. The couple was out for work when the fire occurred, Bajado said.

“The fire reached fourth alarm but the quick response by our firefighters prevented it from destroying more houses,” Bajado said.

Navotas City fire marshal Chief Inspector Felix Medes declared the blaze out at about 9:07 a.m. No one was reported hurt but an estimated P400,000 worth of property went up in smoke. “We are appealing to the residents to be extra careful about fire not only this March, which is a Fire Prevention Month, but every day. Check your electrical connections from time to time and keep away from children any flammable materials,” Bajado said.

He said that in Navotas, unattended lighted candle or kerosene lamp is the common cause of fire, especially in the squatters’ areas.