Another Lapu-Lapu fire tagged to use of butane

CEBU, Philippines – Another fire linked to the use of butane gas in canisters erupted in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday, destroying at least eight houses in Sitio Sea Breeze, Barangay Mactan.

There were no reported injuries or fatalities, but according to Senior Fire Officer 1 Climaco Salisid of the Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, the fire managed to damage more or less P300,000 worth of properties.

Witnesses told fire investigators that the fire started from the kitchen of Raul Tuñacao, who at that time was reportedly cooking with the use of butane gas.

Salisid said Tuñacao may have left the kitchen unattended when the fire started at around 5 a.m., prompting it to quickly spread to the neighboring houses made of mixed construction materials.

The houses razed by the fire were owned by Tuñacao, Michale Villamor, Antonio Ducay Jr. and Selvistra Son.

The fire was controlled around 5:13 a.m. and was declared completely put out by 6 a.m.

Last October 11, a noonday fire separately destroyed 23 houses and damaged five more in Purok Gemilina, Barangay Poblacion with an estimated damage of P250,000. (FREEMAN)