200 houses razed in Lapu-Lapu city fire

CEBU, Philippines — At least 200 houses were razed by a fire that hit Purok Ube, Barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City late Saturday evening.

Fire Investigator Christian Clyde Tacandong told The FREEMAN that the fire started at around 11:50 p.m. at the one-storey residential house of a certain Juanito Vaflor, and from there, the fire quickly spread to the neighboring houses, as most were made out of mixed materials.

The fire alarm was raised to Task Force Alpha, which prompts other nearby fire stations to respond to the scene of the fire.

It took the firemen more than five hours putting out the fire when it was declared out at 4:25 a.m.

The total estimated damage was pegged at around P500,000. No reports were received of any fatalities or injuries due to the fire.

Tacandong said that the firemen had a hard time battling the fire since the alleys of the area of the fire were narrow and the equipment of the Lapu-Lapu Fire District Station 1 were limited.

At present, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but some residents from the area said that someone may have intentionally started the fire.

Tacandong said that they are considering it, but signs of arson are yet to be seen.

The victims of the fire are temporarily taking shelter at the Lapu-Lapu Fire District Station 1, with Lapu-Lapu's City Social Welfare Office providing food and other necessities.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan said that the city will give out P10,000 each to the families affected by the fire. (FREEMAN)