T. Villa fire leaves 10 homeless

CEBU, Philippines - A man was injured when a fire hit and destroyed  at least ten houses yesterday morning at T. Villa, Barangay T. Padilla, Cebu City.

Agapito Arnado suffered first degree burn in his chest for trying to help putting off the fire, said fire investigator, Fortunato Bucia. Arnado was just given first aid by the rescuers.

The fire broke out at 8:25a.m. reportedly at the room occupied by a certain Joshua Gonzales located at the ground floor of the house owned by Jose Villa.

There were three rented rooms at the ground floor of the house while the second floor also served as Villa’s residence.

Fire Marshal, Conrado Dublois, said that Gonzales was sleeping inside his room when he woke up with fire already engulfed around.

“Pagmata sa occupant dako na ang kayo,” Dublois said.

All affected houses are made of light materials.

Firefighters controlled  the fire within 17 minutes and declared fire out at 9:20a.m.

Fire investigators are yet to invite Gonzales to determine the cause of fire with an estimated damage of P100,000.

Fire volunteers also responded the fire which was raised to second alarm status.

T. Villa Street was among of the several streets leading to interior portion that were subject for re-blocking by the city government.

Dobluis complained that dangling wires of the Visayan Electric Company (VECO), cable wires and telephone wires hampered the big fire trucks to enter the fire scene.

“Masangit ang mga wire nga nagyong-yong sa area wala gani kasulod ang bag-o nga fire truck. We will coordinate with VECO,” Dobluis said.

T. Padilla barangay captain Michael Ralota said they will be holding a special session for the release of calamity fund and to check the wirings in the said area. (FREEMAN)