Tejero fire destroys five homes

CEBU, Philippines - Though many of Barangay Tejero’s residents are still in the process of rebuilding their homes and lives after last August’s huge blaze, another fire claimed eight houses yesterday noon.

Five houses were reduced to ashes while three others were damaged when a fire ravaged Cantillas Compound in Sitio Villagonzalo 2, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City. 

Fire marshal Aderson Comar said that fire started from the second floor of Albert Lahay-lahay’s house.

There were no reported fatalities and injuries during the fire, damage was set at P150,000.

Over 15 fire trucks from all over the city and neighboring areas responded to the fire which was declared under control 15 minutes after they arrived at the scene.

Fifteen families, comprised of 62 individuals, were left homeless in yesterday’s blaze.

Comar said the fire was third to have hit the area this year, but this time after surrounding the fire scene, they did not have any problems during firefighting operations.

Comar encouraged barangay officials to have sitios form their emergency response teams, adding that one team is not enough for the entire barangay.

Albert said the entire family was downstairs when they were alerted to the fire. One of his daughter’s, Joy, said she went upstairs to check and saw there was nothing they could do anymore.

The fire engulfed their house and spread to neighboring houses. 

The compound, which is adjacent to the Blessed Sacrament Church, is surrounded by 15 meter-high firewalls that helped contain the fire.

There were also enough roads and fire hydrants surrounding the area which further helped in the firefighting efforts. 

The fire department is now reminding the public to check their household wirings to prevent overloading which can lead to fires like what happened yesterday. 

Comar said that the public should be more cautious in purchasing substandard electrical materials especially as Christmas season is fast approaching and the use of Christmas lights are expected to rise.

This is the third fire to hit Barangay Tejero this year.

The homeless families are now housed in tents near their burned homes. The city government distributed canned goods to them last night.  (FREEMAN)