4 houses razed, 2 damaged in fire

CEBU, Philippines – At least four houses were destroyed while two others were damaged by a fire that broke out in Sitio Whiteland, Barangay Tuyan, Naga City, Cebu at past 12 noon yesterday.

The fire, which was blamed on electrical misuse, was controlled in five minutes after it was reported, but still affected six houses.

Fire Officer 1 Ronel Andagan of Naga City Fire Station said they immediately sent a team of firefighters to the area after receiving the report at 12:50 p.m.

Firemen doused water on the burning houses and the fire was declared under control after five minutes.

At least four houses were reported to have been razed by the fire while two others were partially damaged.

The houses are owned by Ruel Manomag, Tefilio Repulio, Jun Polido, Nicanora Bariquit, Luz Tumaquin, and Dalia Bayabos.

Investigation conducted by Fire Officer 2 Rey Heridiano showed that the origin of the fire was traced to the electrical wirings at Manomag's house.

Since Manomag's house was made of light materials, the fire quick spread to the adjacent houses.

Neighbors tried to put out the fire by dousing it with pails of water but it still got bigger, prompting them to call up the fire station.

Fire authorities are conducting further investigation into the incident.

The fire was totally put out by 2 p.m. —/NSA (FREEMAN)