Christmas tree catches fire at Carcar City Plaza

CEBU, Philippines — A giant Christmas tree at the public plaza of Carcar City caught fire midnight on Thursday.

Fire investigators believe the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit in the wiring of the Christmas décor.

In a phone interview, Fire Officer 1 Isidro B. Castro of Carcar Fire Station shared that they received the alarm at 12:51 AM and arrived at the scene by 12:53 AM.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the cake-shaped Christmas tree of the Heritage City of the South engulfed in flames, with the blaze spreading quickly due to the light materials used in the structure.

“Ang affected is the Christmas tree ug ang dako na parol sa kilid tungod sa kainit nalanay jud siya,” said Castro. The fire was placed under control and extinguished by 1:00 AM. The damage was estimated at around P30,000.

Castro added that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, initial angles suggest a possible short circuit.

“Naa tay gisubay anggulo sa short circuit pero amo pa na siyang e verify kay mag send paman mi’g evidence sa among laboratory for confirmation,” he said.

In light of the incident, authorities are urging the local government and others to be extra careful when setting up holiday decorations, particularly those involving electrical connections.

Castro said that when choosing the lights and wires, it should be labeled with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) stickers. Wires should be durable enough to withstand outdoor setup and avoid using thin ones.

Outdoor decorations are exposed to rain and heat, and improper connections can lead to fires. It is also advised that electrical wirings should be checked regularly.

The Christmas tree display in the city was primarily made of flammable materials like alphagina cloth and styrofoam, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire.

The Freeman tried to reach Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas but he was not available for an interview as of press time. –/FPL (FREEMAN)