Lapu fire chief denies delay in fire response

Lapu-Lapu City fire chief Ricardo Cornelio said they did not delay in responding to the fire in barangay Mactan last January 3 after residents complained nobody received calls at the fire station and that firefighters took time getting there.

Cornelio, who was summoned by the members of the city council last Wednesday, said they responded to the alarm but did not arrive immediately as barangay Mactan is 10 kilometers away from their fire station.

Cornelio also said there is always somebody assigned to answer emergency calls at the fire station, although they only have one number.

Councilor Damian Gomez told Cornelio to submit the list of things that the fire department needs after the latter said that they lack many necessary equipment like fire hoses, aerial platforms, fire suits, among other things.

But Gomez said they cannot promise to give them all they are asking for.

Cornelio said that they only have four fire trucks, but these are already very old and need frequent repairs.

The fire in barangay Mactan destroyed 16 houses and a furniture factory. Damage was pegged at P1.2 million. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan