Cause of Bulacao fire still undetermined

CEBU, Philippines -  Fire investigators are still clueless as to the real cause of the fire in Sitio Renaissance, Barangay Bulacao in Cebu City, that left an estimated damage of P1 million the other day.

Cebu City Fire Marshal Chief Insp. William Tacaldo said they have difficulty in tracing the cause of fire because the house of Francis Tagalog was totally destroyed.

But according to residents in the area, Tacaldo said an unattended cooking and a lighted cigarette butt could have caused the fire.

“Posible mao nay hinungdan nabiyaan nga nilung-ag ug upos nga sigarilyo nga nalabay sa combustible material,” Tacaldo said in a phone interview. Tacaldo added they have yet to invite witnesses as well as Tagalog for questioning.

The fire that broke out Monday afternoon left 200 people comprising 50 families homeless.

The affected residents are temporarily sheltered at a covered court inside the Bulacao Community School in Sitio Villa Mangga located about 100 meters away from the national road.

Others are temporarily housed with their relatives not far from the fire scene.

The fire was declared under control 24 minutes after firemen arrived at the scene.  It was raised to task force alpha and fire trucks from neighboring fire stations also responded to the alarm.

The fire also cut short the wedding reception of Dionisio Marimon and his wife who just came from their church wedding.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Office director Mariano Natuel Jr. said that CPPO will give cash assistance to SPO1 Fortunato Manilag, Jr. of the Cebu City Public Safety Company.

Manilag is among  those who left homeless by the fire.

With regards to the issued M16 rifle of Manilag which was damaged during the incident, Natuel said that a board will determine if there was negligence on the part of Manilag and if he will be issued another firearm or not.

“Kung dunay negligence dili pwede ma-isyuhan pero kung wala pwede depende sa board,” Natuel said.  –(FREEMAN)