Infant hurt, 30 houses razed in Mandaue fire

CEBU, Philippines - More than 30 houses were razed by fire in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City yesterday afternoon.

An infant suffered minor burns in the nose while being rescued from the raging fire. The one-month-old baby girl was left sleeping inside the room when the fire broke out past 3 p.m.

The baby was rescued by her aunt who was asked by the mother to watch over her.

Jennelyn Jayme could not contain her emotions upon seeing her daughter alive. Barangay health workers immediately attend to the baby.

The Mandaue City Fire Department received the fire alarm at 3:10 p.m. and was raised to task force alpha 10 minutes later.

It was placed under control at 3:48 p.m. and was declared fire out at 4:05 p.m. Fire investigators are yet to give the estimated damage as of press time.

Initial investigation shows that the fire started on the second floor of the house rented by Narita Flores.

Flores, 64, said she heard an explosion from the second floor before thick smoke enveloped the house. She tried to save some of her belongings but was only able to grab few clothes because the blaze was already big.

 “Akong apo kay nasuko na, giingnan ko nga ma gawas diha ma, gawas diha kay di na ko kalatay diha kay ang kayo naa na sa taytayan,” Flores said.

Flores said she lost her savings to the fire and all of the things memorable to her.

The Mandaue City Social Welfare officials have yet to account for the total number of fire victims. They are temporarily sheltered at the Subangdako Gym.

The city government has assured to provide food packs for the affected families starting last night and for the next three days.  (FREEMAN)