CEBU, Philippines — At least 15 houses were burned and four individuals were injured after a fire struck a residential area in Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Guadalupe in Cebu City on Sunday dawn.
Cebu City Fire Office (CCFO) received the fire alarm at 4 a.m. It was placed under first alarm at 4:32 a.m. and was declared under control at 5:16 a.m. Fire out was declared at 05:22 a.m.
The fire affected an area of 300 square meters in a populated community leaving at least 60 individuals homeless. Damage to properties was pegged at around P450,000.
CCFO reported no deaths due to fire but four individuals were reportedly injured.
CCFO investigator Senior Fire Officer 1 Riza Julve said the four individuals suffered bruises on their knees. Those injured were identified as Terstin Melindo, Mary Grace Obando, Danilo Ravidas, and an eight-year-old girl.
The responding teams included 12 engines, three ambulances and fire volunteer brigades.
As of this writing, the investigator has yet to determine the specific cause of the fire that started at the house owned by Ricardo Eran.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, in collaboration with the Quick Response Team, coordinated Banawa Elementary School where the fire victims are temporarily sheltered.
Together with the City Department of Social Welfare and Services, the team continued to monitor the safety and in the preparation of the classrooms to be occupied by the evacuees.
The Cebu City Command Center also requested immediate assistance for fire victims' needs such as food, water, and clothing. — Jonah Mae B. Chu, CNU Intern, GMR (FREEMAN)