SN fire claims 4 casualties

Fire in San Nicolas. Three residential houses at the Capalungan Compound along with computer, photo copier and school supply centers at Barangay 1 in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte owned by the Capalungan family were all turned into ashes except for a concrete house due to fire that broke out on the dawn of October 18. The Bureau of Fire Protection Investigation is still ongoing on as to the cause of the fire. Four recorded casualties were reported in the incident. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—A fire that broke out at Brgy. 1 in this town on Oct. 18 at 12:19 am has resulted in four casualties identified as Rosalina B. Capalungan, Innocencio B. Capalungan and his sons Wince John and Beejayson. Milagros B. Capalungan suffered from a first degree burn.

Based on the initial Bureau of Fire Protection-San Nicolas report, the involved structures are mixed type of occupancy and two residential houses stored bulk of combustible materials owned by Ferdinand B. Capalungan and Sherwin T. Capalungan.

The cause and origin of fire is still under investigation but the BFP is looking at a report where a lighted candle was left unattended by Rosalina B. Capalungan. The BFP has also yet to disclose the estimated damage from the fire.

Meanwhile, San Nicolas mayor Melanie Grace P. Valdez clarified several issues that came out due to the incident.

In a mini press conference with the mayor, she stressed that the San Nicolas Bureau of Fire Protection was the first to respond to the fire. This is contrary to reports that it was a Laoag City fire truck that was first on the scene.

According to Fire SFO2 Clarence S. Sulit, the Laoag fire truck arrived only after the two San Nicolas fire trucks were out of water and have gone for refills. Mr. Maulit added that during refill operation one of their fire truck bogged down and could not be operated anymore hence they were left with one fire truck, which was much smaller that the damaged one.

The San Nicolas BFP has called on assistance from neighboring fire stations as the conflagration was already big at that time. Various fire trucks from neighboring towns and city helped in suppressing the fire.

Ms. Valdez took the opportunity to thank all those who helped at the time.

The mayor also disclosed that the BFO decision to continue focusing on the house on fire was due to their attempt to save the lives of those who were trapped in the burning building.

“Knowing na mayroong nata-trap doon sa kung saan nag umpisa ng sunog, hindi mo ba uunahin yun, kasi kung hindi, baka sasabihin naman, walang awa naman kayo bakit hindi niyo inuna yung area na yun e alam niyo namang may mga taong na-trap na tao dun”, the mayor said.  

However, the mayor said that as per the BFP report, firefighters could not penetrate the burning building as the compound was stocked with combustible materials.

Later on, it was reported that the compound stored reams of bond papers, laminating films, canned goods, bottles of wine and other school and office supplies. Also, the combustible materials were delivered to the said compound a day before the fire.

As for the lack of fire truck, Ms. Valdez reiterated that the BFP is an independent agency directly under the Dept. of Interior and Local Government and as such is funded by the national government. However, she added that local government units can also give assistance to them.

As a matter of fact, she said the San Nicolas government donated a lot for the BFP station. They also purchased a fire ladder and other firefighting equipment for their use. A mini fire truck was also donated by a Hawaii-based family from Brgy. 5 of this municipality.

Ms. Valdez also disclosed their plan to acquire a water tanker fire truck for 2015.

She added that the Sangguniang Bayan has also sought the assistance of national agencies in donating additional firefighting facilities and equipment for the local BFP.

To prevent a repeat of this incident, Ms. Valdez said she has convened a staff meeting to create a team that would be in charge of fire incidents. She said the team would include the mayor, the BFP, the police, health and risk management officials, the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative and the San Nicolas Water District. She added they would also find a command post for this team.

For the BFP’s part, Mr. Sulit said they plan to conduct fire prevention and suppression trainings, organize a barangay fire brigade and other related programs.

Ms. Valdez and her family also gave personal monetary support to the affected families and she has directed the social work and welfare development office to find ways for additional assistance.