150 houses razed in Lapu-Lapu fire

CEBU, Philippines — About 150 houses were totally burned when a dawn fire hit Sitio Tacan, Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City yesterday.

The fire reportedly started at the second floor of the house of Silverio Tomarong Jr.

The fire department received the alarm at 1:00 a.m., then they raised it to second alarm at 1:05 a.m.; they then raised it to third alarm at 1:08 a.m.  The fire department elevated it to Task Force Alpha at 1:30 a.m., then moved it to Task Force Bravo at 1:40 a.m.

The fire was placed under control at 2:50 a.m.

The fire responders had a hard time penetrating into the interior portion of the fire scene because of the narrow pathways.

Fire Officer 1 Kaz Cuabo of the Lapu-Lapu City Fire Department said they would still further investigate on the cause of the fire.

Cuabo added that the damage to the fire was pegged at P400,000, while they have not received any report of anyone who got injured or died in the incident.

Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Management Head Nagiel Banacia said the victims would be temporarily housed at the Ibo Elementary School and at the Ibo Sports Complex.

Majority of the fire victims are calling for help, since most of them was not able to save any of their belongings. (FREEMAN)