CEBU, Philippines — An early morning fire in Purok Judas Belt, Barangay Babag 2, Lapu-Lapu City, affected 12 houses and displaced several families yesterday.
According to Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire broke out at 3:47 A.M. and was reported to authorities by 3:49 A.M.
Responding firemen declared the blaze under control by 5:02 A.M.
There were a total of eight fire engines from the BFP and other units from the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also responded to the scene.
The Philippine Red Cross also sent an ambulance to assist in the ongoing operation.
Fire investigator FOI Vincent Rhey Reyes, said that 12 houses were confirmed affected after coordination with the barangay captain of Babag 2.
Initial reports from residents indicated that they heard popping sounds before the fire spread.
While the exact cause remains under investigation, Reyes noted the presence of firecracker-making materials in one of the affected houses, and said that these may have triggered the quick spread of the fire.
Reyes added that faulty electrical wiring is another angle they are examining.
“Sa pagkakaron among gi-focusan kay ang katong wire,” said Reyes
The estimated damage of the fire was approximately ?252,000.
Meanwhile, information from Lapu-Lapu City government said that the displaced families are temporarily staying at the Barangay Babag Gym.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office provided food supplies enough for three days. Their food boxes contained canned goods, noodles, coffee, milk, and five kilos of rice per family. — (FREEMAN)