After 8 fires struck Cebu City: Focus on re-blocking - Mayor

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday reminded concerned City Hall departments on the required re-blocking of fire sites before residents are allowed to settle back.

This way, it is assured that a road of good enough width is made so emergency vehicles, like firetrucks and ambulances can reach even the interior portions of the community.

This month’s number of fire incidents has already surpassed that of the past two years.

Per the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-7, there were 26 fire incidents in 2022; 16 in 2023; and 39 for Jan. 1 to 26 this year.

Last Sunday, eight fire incidents were reported in the city, four of which struck residential areas, three were grass fires, while one hit a mercantile structure. The biggest ones were that in barangays Carreta, Basak Pardo, and Quiot.

The fires destroyed and damaged properties worth P2.2 million.

“Dili pa gani mag-reblock, preemptive reblocking,” the mayor said, emphasizing that re-blocking should be done first.

“Palihug, that is (a)…matter nga ato gyung tutokan,” he further said.

And after what seemed to be a busy Sunday for firefighters, another three fire incidents were reported yesterday afternoon.

The first incident involved a housing development project on Negros St., Brgy. Luz while the second one occurred in neighboring Brgy. Mabolo.

The Luz fire happened at 4:55 p.m. but was immediately put out, leaving an estimated damage of P40,000 and disrupting what would have been a normal afternoon for 100 occupants of the building.

Barely over an hour later, fire also hit Mabolo Elementary School’s storage area dumped with damaged school chairs. The fire was also immediately put out.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Wendell Villanueva of BFP-7 reminded the public to be wary when buying electrical equipment, especially substandard ones, since they are mostly the cause of fire incidents in the city.

He also asked the public to refrain from burning garbage and other dried materials, as they may also cause fire. — (FREEMAN)