Fire hits residential structures on Urgello

A two-story residential structure was totally razed while a four-story building and another residential structure were partially burned when a fire swept through Urgello Street, Sambag II yesterday morning.

The Cebu City Fire Department received the alarm at 11:10 a.m. and was able to put out the fire five minutes after.

SFO3 Allan Arciaga, chief investigator of the city fire department, told The Freeman that the fire started at the third room of Europa International Recruitment Services located at the second floor of the building.

The fire has gutted down the recruitment firm's office reportedly managed by one Sergio Vicera and owned by a certain Felma Fuentes. The office is said to be a residential structure converted into mixed structure made of concrete and wooden materials, Arciaga said.

The fire also hit a four-story building owned by Josephine Yap. Another residential structure owned by Abeth Ligan was partially burned, Arciaga said.

According to Ronald Balondo, security guard of the agency, the fire was first noticed in one of the three rooms. He along with other office personnel tried to put out the fire by using five fire extinguishers, while another staff called up the fire department.

The fire spread to the next building owned by Yap with commercial stores downstairs, then to a boarding house. Ligan's residence was partially damaged by the fire.

Arciaga said that they are still conducting a follow-up investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

SFO2 Felix Romero said no one was injured in the fire, refuting reports that a person was trapped inside one of the burning structures.

The fire was the fourth to hit the city this month, Arciaga said. - Norvie S. Misa