BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR

Just hours after the New Year began, tragedy struck the residents of Sitio Camp 6, Barangay Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet.

Past 1:00 in the morning on January 1, a fire broke out.

Twenty-six houses were burned.

Due to the light materials and close proximity of the houses, the fire spread quickly.

According to SF03 Orvil Bumacas, Chief, Intel, and Investigation Unit of the BFP-Tuba, “Most of the residential houses were made out of light materials, especially wood, although some were concrete. The strong winds and the distance from the nearest fire station aggravated the situation.”

Among those affected was Marvin, whose fourth-floor residence was burned down.

He described the tragedy as earth-shattering, especially at the start of the new year.

“It’s heartbreaking, but we just have to face this challenge with courage this new year,” Marvin Agonoy, a fire victim.

At the Barangay Hall of Sitio Camp 6, Barangay Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet, some fire victims took refuge.

After the fire was declared out around 6:30 in the morning, residents could only watch their burned houses or help clean up the debris.

For many, it was a devastating loss, as they were unable to save anything.

According to PB. John O. Dogao Jr. of Barangay Camp 4, “They were only able to save some food, and that’s it.”

The initial investigation by the BFP estimated the damage at 10 million pesos while they continue to determine the fire’s cause.

“One person died, and two were injured during the firefighting. This figure may vary depending on the affidavits of loss submitted,” Bumacas stated.

For those who wish to help, you may coordinate with Barangay Camp 4.

The BFP continues to investigate the incident, marking the first fire incident in Tuba, Benguet, for 2025.