200 Shanties Burn on Samal Island
Fortunately although 200 homes were destroyed, none of the 200 families had any loss of life. But an article such as this makes me realize how little I really know about Samal Island and even the Philippines in general sometimes. Though I’ve obviously seen the shanties everywhere, it had never occurred to me how susceptible to a fire they were. Kind of obvious when you think about it. This fire evidently started just from a candle but quickly wiped out hundreds of homes. I hope the displaced families can find new homes soon.
It’s good to know that Samal Island, being so isolated, has a fire department. Again, that’s not something I ever contemplated. Hadn’t thought about it one way or the other. It’s one of those things, at least to me, that you don’t tend worry about until you need it. Assistance did come from Davao, according to the article, so I suspect that the resources of the IGaCos fire department are limited. Still it’s very good to know that it does exist.
It makes me wonder what else I’ve failed to consider about living on Samal or in the Philippines. I’m sure there is much and the more I can visit the more informed I hope to be. The best I can do is visit, read and try to become informed. As with life in general, I’m sure I have many enlightenments awaiting me there.
Hundreds of families were left homeless after a massive fire hit several homes at a seaside village in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), in Davao del Norte late Sunday evening, authorities said.
The fire which was put out an hour later raced 200 shanties in Poblacion, Babak district, Senior Inspector Sixto Jimenez, city fire marshal said.
The provincial government has sent food assistance to the affected families, 100 of whom are temporarily sheltered at the Babak Central Elementary School, according to Arlene Semblante, provincial social welfare officer.
Jimenez said his office received the alarm at 9:50 p.m. and fire trucks from the Igacos fire station were quickly dispatched.
Fire engines from Davao City, including those of the Chinese Fire Volunteers, Lanang fire station and the Central 911 also helped, he said.
“Based on our initial investigation, the fire was traced to an unattended lighted candle at the shanty of a Nelson Ruelan,” Jimenez said, adding they have yet to determine the cost of damage to property.
No one was hurt during the incident, the fire official said.
Semblante said the Philippine National Red Cross also committed help.
via Fire destroys 200 shanties on Samal island – INQUIRER.net.
Photo credit: fmafil.worpress.com
