CEBU, Philippines – A 20-minute fire gutted at least P700,000 worth of property along White Road in barangay Inayawan the other night.
The fire destroyed the houses owned by Ronnie Fuentes and Boni Abangan. It was reportedly originated from Fuentes’ house.
Personnel from the Cebu City Fire Department responded to the fire at 11:04 Sunday evening and were able to control it 20 minutes later. Fire marshall Ismael Codilla said they are going to invite Fuentes over the incident.
“Dunay reports nga nagtiner og chemicals si Mr. Fuentes diha nato i-sentro ang atong investigation kay under sa Fire Code dili gyud pwede magtiner og mga flammable materials sama anang mga chemicals sulod sa balay nga walay pirma,” Codilla said.
Inayawan barangay councilman Lito Commendador said the flammable materials triggered the spread of fire to the nearby house owned by Abangan.
“Kusog g’yud kaayo ang kayo, wa magsilbi ang fire truck sa barangay nga maoy unang nakarespondi sa maong lugar basin tungod to sa kemikals kay nagtiner man sila niini,” Commendador said.
Inayawan barangay captain Rustom Ignacio said they would inspect today the residential houses along White Road for chemicals.
“Duna g’yud atong nadunggan nga report nga daghan g’yud dinhi sa White Road nga nag-subcontract aning mga shellcraft,” Ignacio said.
Codilla put the fire to third alarm considering that the area is surrounded by residential houses.
He added that those found possessing chemicals without permission from the Bureau of Fire Protection would be held liable for violation. — Ramil V. Ayuman/LPM (THE FREEMAN)