Fire displaces around 70, destroys 6 houses

CEBU, Philippines — Six houses were destroyed and around 70 people were displaced after a fire broke out in sitio Kiosko, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City early Friday morning, August 21.

The Cebu City Fire Station estimated the property damage at P225,000.

SFO1 Fulbert Navarro, fire arson investigator of the Cebu City Fire Station, said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Several victims told authorities that the fire started behind a refrigerator. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of faulty electrical wiring.

The fire was reported at around 4 a.m., with firefighters arriving at the scene at 4:05 a.m. It was brought under control at 4:45 a.m. and declared out at 5:59 a.m.

Three people were injured in the incident. One was treated for burns, while two others suffered cuts from broken glass. No fatalities were reported.

The barangay’s initial count showed that around 21 families, or nearly 70 residents and renters, were affected by the fire. Barangay officials said the number could still increase as they continue to verify the list.

The barangay set up 10 tents inside sitio Kiosko’s covered court to provide temporary shelter for the victims. Additional tents will be provided if needed.

The Villa Zacati covered court was also used as an evacuation center for the affected families.

The displaced individuals received food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), while the barangay distributed donated clothes to residents who lost their belongings. Some residents were unable to save even their clothes when the fire broke out.

Barangay officials said the incident was the fourth fire recorded in the area.

The barangay is seeking assistance from the Cebu City government and other concerned agencies for the victims.