100 houses razed in Mandaue
CEBU, Philippines — At least 100 residential houses were burned down in a fire that hit Sitio Pilapil, Barangay Casuntingan, Mandaue City yesterday afternoon.
Based on the initial investigation, Police Captain Oscar Del Castillo Jr. told The FREEMAN that they have accounted at least 100 houses that were damaged as 6 p.m. yesterday.
Castillo said there were more than 200 families who were affected in the fire, considering that there were several people who live in the area. He added that he would ask the council for an emergency session to declare a state of calamity.
Mandaue fire station personnel said that the estimated damage could reach up to P300,000.
Based on initial information gathered, the fire reportedly started from the house of a certain William Burlaos when a butane canister allegedly exploded. Castillo said they still have to validate the claim though.
The affected families will be temporarily housed at the barangay gym and will also be provided with tents.
Edwin Burlaos said the fire started at the house of his older sister, Lili Calipis, where he is currently living with his family.
He said they have smelled a burnt electrical wire and noticed the smoke coming out from it that eventually started the fire.
He added that they tried to quench the fire with a fire extinguisher but to no avail since the house were made of light materials.
Burlaos was not able to bring any of their things since he made sure to save his children and grandsons first.
The fire was received at 2 p.m. and was placed under control at 3 p.m. GAN (FREEMAN)
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