48 houses razed in Talamban fire

CEBU, Philippines - At least 48 houses were razed and two others were damaged in a fire in Sitio Cadauhan, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City yesterday, leaving a 60-year-old woman injured and hundreds homeless.

Erlinda Himaya suffered burns in her right arm while her neighbor Felly Dunggon collapsed after discovering that her house was among those destroyed. Both of them were bought to the hospital.

Fire Officer 3 Novo Erana of Talamban Fire Station said they received the report about the fire at 4:10 p.m. and declared it under control 10 minutes after.

According to the report, the fire allegedly originated from the house being occupied by 20-year-old Richard Hermoso which was made of light materials.

The neighbors suspect that the fire was caused by illegal drug users who were seen running away from Hermoso’s house as soon as the fire erupted.

Erana said they will investigate further what really caused the fire.

The fire, which  left at least 60 families homeless, quickly spread to other houses. Owing also to the narrow road, Erana  said only the small firetrucks have penetrated the area.

Erana pegged the damage at P200,000.

Talamban barangay captain Dario Arcilla said the affected individuals will be temporarily sheltered at the Talamban gymnasium.

As of press time, fire investigators have yet to find Hermoso for him to shed light on the incident. — Bryner L. Diaz/NSA (FREEMAN)