42 left homeless in evening fire

CEBU, Philippines - At least 10 houses, owned mostly by persons with disabilities, were razed by a fire that hit Sitio Fatima, Barangay Apas in Cebu City past last night.

The fire was placed under control less than an hour after it broke out at past 7 p.m. but at least 42 people (nine families) were left homeless.

Among those who managed to survive is an elderly couple, Joaquin and Basilides Acebo. Although she could barely see, the wife still spotted their neighbor’s house already on fire so she grabbed her husband who is totally blind and dragged him out of their house.

The fire reportedly started at the house of one Max Cahatol when a mobile phone charger, which was left plugged, sparked. The fire then spread to nine other houses, which were made of light materials.

Senior Fire Officer 4 Jovito Abelgas said damage could reach up to P120,000.

He said they had to connect 20 hoses to reach the area since the road was so narrow for the fire truck to pass through.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, the current acting mayor, said the affected residents will be housed temporarily at the barangay’s covered court. He has ordered the Department of Social Welfare Services to prepare food for the victims for three days.

Most of those living in Sitio Fatima reportedly came from Sitio Baka.

The lot where the fire struck is reportedly owned by the provincial government but the city will clear and re-block it today, he said. — (FREEMAN)