Fire injures 3, razes 7 houses in Banilad

CEBU, Philippines - Three people were injured in a noontime fire that razed at least seven houses in Opone Compound Barangay Banilad Cebu City yesterday.

Gloria Opone, 87, sustained a lacerated wound in her left leg after falling off the roof, while Amie Olita, 63, and Ronnie Coleta, 39, suffered first degree burns in the right forearm and right shoulder, respectively.

The Cebu City Fire Department has tapped the alarm at 12:07 p.m. which was placed under control 12 minutes later.

About 20 fire trucks from the different sub-stations and volunteer fire brigades have responded to the alarm which allegedly started at the two-storey house owned by Marites Delloso.

The fire spread immediately to the neighboring houses resulting to the total destruction of seven houses while two others were partially burned. The fire department has pegged the total damage at P90,000.

 “Kasagaran diri mix, naay concrete naa pud light materials ug dili pud lisod ang dalan kay daplin ra sa kalsada,” said Cebu City Fire Marshal Aderson Comar.

Fire investigators are still gathering evidence and witnesses to determine the cause of the fire.

The Cebu City Hall through the Department of Social Welfare and Services has promised to help the affected residents in the rebuilding of their houses. 

Barangay officials in Banilad have also sent their relief team to assist the fire victims in the needs.   - (THE FREEMAN)