Fire hits San Juan

A seven-hour fire hit a highly populated area in San Juan last Monday, destroying property estimated at P5 million and displacing some 32 families.

Arson investigators reported no casualties in the fire that started from the ceiling of the house owned by a certain Nora Baao located at the corner of Llave and Roman streets in Barangay Balong Bato at about 4:32 p.m.

Initial investigation conducted by prober SFO4 Chandler Arcadio showed that the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring.

Arcadio said the entire neighborhood helped try to put out the fire, but it quickly spread to adjacent houses also made up of light materials.

Firetrucks from the municipality and neighboring towns and cities responded and battled the blaze, but not before it destroyed 14 houses, Arcadio said.

The fire reached Task Force Delta, the second highest fire alarm.

The blaze was declared under control by firemen at about 11:37 p.m.

Families affected by the fire were evacuated to the basketball court and health center of Barangay Balong Bato. – Non Alquitran