CEBU, Philippines — Around 40 houses went up in smoke in separate fire incidents that hit the cities of Cebu and Talisay yesterday morning.
At 9:37 a.m., a fire hit Sitio Caimito, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City and was placed under control after 27 minutes.
No one was reported hurt during the blaze which reportedly started at the house of Pilar Ultrera. The cause remains under investigation as of press time.
According to Chief Inspector Noel Nelson Ababon, City Fire Marshall, 20 houses were reduced to ashes and damage is pegged at P300,000.
At 9:54 a.m., another fired happened in Sitio Mananga 1, Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.
It was put under control after 24 minutes and no one was reported hurt.
The fire started at the shanty of Christian Macaraya and was reportedly caused by a charging cellphone that was left unattended.
“Cellphone nga gi-charge nga iniwan ang nakitang dahilan na dahilan sa sunog,” Fire Senior Inspector Arra Alpajaro, City Fire Marshall, said.
The fire razed at least 20 houses and damage was estimated to reach P180,000.
Alpajaro said they will invite Macaraya to their office for investigation.
Buenvenido Pabillo, one the residents, said he went out of his house and saw a thick smoke.
He brought all his kids to a safe place but he failed to salvage any of his belongings.
“Wala gyud mi nasalbar bisan senina ug mga butang, nanghuwam lang gani ko og tsinelas sa akong kaila,” Pabillo said. —/MBG (FREEMAN)