11 houses razed by morning fire

CEBU, Philippines - At least 11 houses were destroyed after a fire hit in Sitio Sampaguita, Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City yesterday morning.

 The Cebu City Fire Department received the fire alarm at 11:23 a.m. but was able to place the fire under control in about 20 minutes. Fire out was declared at 2:20 p.m.

Senior Fire Officer 3 Roylin Maratas said it is possible that lighted candles children in the area were playing with started the fire.

“Duna ta nadawat na information na magsige gyud ni sila og duwa og kandila. Kon biyaan ni sila sa ilang mga ginikanan,” he said.

Maratas said damage was estimated at P250,000.

Maratas said accessing the area was a challenge because of the river. Firefighters had to position themselves at the Chinese Temple on the other side of the river and at the Department of Agriculture building at the other side.

“Lisod kaayo. Molabang pa ta sa sapa. Lawom kaayo. Magtuyok-tuyok atong mga fire hoses unya sa pikas sab taas kaayo ang paril mao na-hamper gamay ang operation,” he said.

 Initial investigation showed that the fire started on the second floor of the house owned by Rodulfo Quilala, which was also being rented by Carlito Capa Jr., 42, a “pongko-pongko” vendor, who was not around at that time.

A five-year-old child who lived at the same house told investigators that he saw the fire start but denied he was among the children playing with candles. The children who are his friends were reportedly playing house on the second floor.

“Didto sila sa taas kay nagduwa og kandila. Ako naa ra sa ubos,” he said.

The child said he has just finished eating at the ground floor when he went up and noticed that the door of his sister’s room was already burning.

His elder sister was cooking at the ground floor while his brother was sleeping at the second floor at that time. He then called for help and rushed out with his siblings.

No one was hurt in the incident but Maratas reminded parents to never leave their children alone at home.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said the city will provide meals for the affected families in the next three days and will provide them financial assistance and construction materials.  (FREEMAN)