Fire leaves P800,000 in property losses

CEBU, Philippines - Around 20 houses were razed in a late afternoon fire yesterday near White Gold in sitio Ipil, barangay Carreta, Cebu City that was reportedly brought about by electrical misuse.

City fire marshal Esmael Codilla said that the fire was reported at 4:33 p.m. and was raised to third alarm which means that all fire trucks in the city were dispatched to the area while waiting for assistance from other fire stations in the neighboring cities.

The fire was controlled 30 minutes later, Codilla said.

Firefighters pegged the damage at P800,000.

The fire reportedly started at the first floor of a house owned by one Raul Unabia.

Codilla said that the fire possibly started from an unplugged appliance while the family was not around.

Residents in the area alleged that they heard a loud explosion and then saw thick smoke billowing from the house that consequently turned into a blaze.

Among the razed structures was the Y&B Junkshop owned by couple Yuli and Baby Lasola. The junkshop was situated at the back of Unabia’s house.

The fire went on past 6 p.m. before it was declared under control.

Baby estimated the damage to their junkshop at P2 million as a forklift and several pieces of lumber were also gutted by the fire. The junkshop was there since four years ago, she said. They were not able to save anything, she added.

Meanwhile, Carreta barangay captain Eduardo Lauron assured as of this writing that the displaced households will be given free supper and will temporarily dwell in tents near the area. – Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)