Fires in LGC building rekindle

CEBU, Philippines - Fires inside the LGC Marketing and General Merchandise along M. J. Cuenco Ave. kept rekindling yesterday due to highly-combustible materials inside the building.

No one was reported killed in the incident but residents who live around the burnt building got worried when smoke reappeared.

Cebu City firefighters were placed on standby in the area from the time the fire broke out at 7:53 p.m. last Wednesday until yesterday evening to stop every rekindling of the flames.

The estimated damage of property has remained pegged at P14 million, fire investigator SFO2 Roilen Maratas said.

An electrical short circuit is seen as the most possible cause of the fire.

The fire was considered under control over an hour later and was raised to Task Force Alpha. All fire stations in Metro Cebu were sought for assistance. The fire reportedly started at the mezzanine area of the second floor of the four-story building owned by couple George Lee and Serelina dela Cerna.

Four residents suffered minor burns but were treated immediately. None of the houses owned by residents living around the building was included in the blaze.

George Lee, who is paralyzed, was rescued from his room in the fourth floor where he was trapped.

Carmen Rodriguez, secretary of barangay Parian, said they helped in putting out the fire together with the residents. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)