COVID-19 vaccines destroyed in CDO fire

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — At least P1.4 million worth of property, including 30 vials of COVID-19 vaccines, was destroyed when a fire hit the provincial capitol compound in this city on Wednesday night.

The fire razed the provincial health office building, where 30 vials of AstraZeneca vaccines, which can inoculate 300 people were stored, according to provincial health officer Jeri Calingasan.

The provincial engineering office, where the fire reportedly started, an office of the Philippine Red Cross and a few vehicles in the motorpool were damaged.

Fire officer Imelda Barazan said the fire started at about 6:30 p.m. and was declared out after more than two hours.