6 houses razed in Compostela

CEBU, Philippines - At least six houses were burned down, including one owned by Compostela outgoing mayor Ritchie Wagas, when a fire hit an area near the town’s hall past 1pm yesterday.

Three other houses were also damaged by the fire.

Firemen from the Compostela fire station and the neighboring city of Danao controlled the fire in 10 minutes, which was raised to the second alarm. SFOI Tomas Peñas of the Compostela Fire Station said they received the alarm at 1:25 pm.

The houses that burned down were owned by Wagas and his mother Nimfa, Theodora Calo, Virgilio Castro, Milagros Para and Edna Paraiso who owned two houses. The houses that were damaged were owned by Emelito Casquejo, Renato Caballero and Vieginette Limatis.

Peñas said that one Lolito Buro who was residing at the house owned by Wagas heard a loud explosion from the upper portion of the house prior to the incident.

After the explosion, Buro reportedly saw the flames already engulfing the ceiling of the house, which prompted him to call for help.

Peñas said it is possible that faulty wiring triggered the fire. The investigator said the fire scene is just about 50 meters from the municipal hall. No one was injured in the incident, but damage was estimated at P555,000.   (FREEMAN NEWS)