CEBU, Philippines — xthe eve of the Fiesta Señor 2025, a massive fire broke out at a warehouse allegedly storing diesel fuel in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City leaving an estimated P3.8 million in property damage and dozens affected.
The fire erupted around 9:09 PM on Saturday, Jan. 18, and quickly escalated due to the highly flammable materials stored at the site.
Nine minutes later, the situation worsened, prompting firefighters to raise the alarm to the second level. By 9:58 PM, the fire had intensified further, reaching fourth alarm status.
The fire was declared “under control” at 10:41 PM and was completely extinguished by 11:31 PM.
According to a report from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire rapidly spread to nearby residential areas, affecting a total of 48 individuals. Businesses and residences along General Maxilom Avenue Extension were also impacted. Additionally, guests at a nearby condotel had to be evacuated due to thick smoke affecting the building.
In total, the fire damaged approximately 350 square meters of property, with six structures completely destroyed and four others partially burned.
While no fatalities were reported, one individual, identified as Rustico Casas Jr., sustained second-degree burns.
Fire investigator FO1 Wendell Villanueva of the Cebu City Fire Station (CCFS) stated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
"Actually, under investigation pa ni kung unsa jud ang tinuod nahitabo," Villanueva said in a phone interview.
Villanueva also confirmed that they are validating reports about the presence of ammonia at the fire site.
"Amo pa ning gi-validate pud... Daghan ug angles gitan-aw sa BFP as regards the cause of fire," he added. (CEBU NEWS)