Beer tank catches fire

CEBU, Philippines - A beer tank caught fire in the San Miguel Corp. compound yesterday in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City, causing damage worth P2.5 million.

Senior Fire Officer 1 John Herediano, fire investigator, said initial investigation revealed that the newly installed beer tank was being repaired when the outside insulator suddenly caught fire. Herediano said they are still trying to determine what started the fire.

Firefighters arrived at the fire scene at 2:10 p.m. and fire-out was declared at 2:37 p.m.

The burned tank contained beer, said Herediano, who added only the outer layer was damaged and the tank is still whole. The tank is one of the several six- to seven-story tanks that store beer.

Fire trucks of the University of San Carlos, barangays Banilad and Cubacub in Mandaue, and barangays Hipodromo and Mabolo in Cebu City responded to the alarm, fighting side-by-side with firefighters of San Miguel Corp. who were first to respond to the alarm.

Herediano said there were no reported casualties and the fire did not affect other buildings in the vicinity.  (FREEMAN)