Lightning 'triggers' fire at beach resort

CEBU, Philippines - A lightning struck a luxury beach resort in the southern town of San Fernando last Thursday night and subsequently set to flame one of its huts.

The Pulchra Beach Resort is located in Barangay San Isidro.

PO3 Caesar Pagares said it was raining that night and employees claimed the lightning caused the fire.

Investigation revealed that the lighting first hit the coconut tree right beside the hut and a combustible material from the tree fell to the hut and triggered the fire. The incident happened past 9pm.

The resort guests occupying the hut were safe. Firefighters pegged the damage at P200,000 as the hut contained amenities.

Pagares said it was a member of the resort staff who reported the incident to the management. The management then sought assistance from authorities.

The fire has engulfed the hut when personnel of the San Fernando Police and the San Fernando Fire Station arrived at the resort. They, however, were able to control the fire in five minutes, Pagares said.

No one was hurt in the incident.  (FREEMAN)