Fire hits storeroom; firefighter injured

CEBU, Philippines - A fire hit a storeroom for beauty products in Sanciangko Street, Cebu City early morning yesterday, leaving a fireman injured.

Fire Officer 1 Joseph Payot suffered a wound on his left eyebrow after he was hit by a door lock as he and fellow firemen forced to enter the burning structure.

Cebu City fire department received the report about the fire happening at Handled Enterprises Corporation at past 2 a.m.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Daniel Relatado Jr, who assisted lead investigator Senior Officer 2 Tristan Parataga, said they were able to control the fire in 10 minutes.

Relatado admitted that they had difficulty in entering the building as there were two doors.

“Naglisod mi kay na’y duha man gud ka pultahan, unya wala’y tawo mao tong nalagpotan sa kandado ang bombero unya nasamad,” he added.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who visited the area, gave the firemen the permission to forcefully enter the building, said Relatado.   

The fire department said the fire was stopped at past 3:30 a.m.  According to Relatado, the fire could be traced to electrical failure.

“Ma-trace nato sa electrical malfunction, nahurot og kasunog ang mga wiring,” he said, adding that they are conducting a deeper investigation to determine what really caused the blaze.

The damage was pegged at P50,000. — (FREEMAN)