CCENRO recommends closure of fire-hit Inayawan warehouse

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City’s Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) has recommended the closure of the warehouse in Brgy. Inawayan that caught fire last Thursday, March 21,2024.

CCENRO Reymarr Hijara went to check the area a day after the incident together with Councilor Joel Garganera and City Disaster chief Harold Alcontin and found out that the fire ignited again.

Hijara, in an interview with The Freeman, said they found a huge pile of garbage around the private property. He referred to the property as a junk shop.

 “Nakita nato didto nga nasunog nga pile sa basura…pila na diay ni katuig na nag pile up ngadto. Based sa ilang gistorya ngadto nga nay nagluto or nag haling sa kilid didto sa pile sa basura, unya, mao na, nitakod sa pile sa basura, nya nay mga kahoy. Sa akong naabtan, duha ang source sa kalayo,” said Hijara, adding that the area also had been recycling plastics and scrap metals.

Hijara said the warehouse owner will definitely be slapped with penalties apart from the recommendation to close the property.

“E-close off gyud na siya pra ma menus ang danger sa sunog kay “perfect” condition kaayo gud ron, init, uga,” added Hijara.

 “Kanang basura, fuel man gud na siya. Wala pa gyuy naka in place nga pang fire-fighting bitaw. Walay naka in place, walay naka respond pud dayon. Kana diha, open, walay atop. Maong nay nasunog nga part, naay nanglupad nga aligato, maoy nakatakod sa ubang basura nga ni pile up..Ang naka pait kay lisod kayo siya patyon kay ang source, ang fuel naas ilawm, labi na ana nay sagol, ang methane gas ana sa ilawm nag accumulate. Di na na mataman ug patay labi ng ang tubig, hinaya ra ba, “ said Hijara.

After its closure, all garbage inside should be cleared.

CCENRO also sent its technical team for its complete environmental impact assessment.

CCENRO, along with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, is also looking into exit points in the area to be able to stop all activities in the area.

The City’s Health Department is also doing its own assessment for the safety of the people around the area, Hijara said.

Hijara added that while they advocate for recycling, there should be a system in place.

“Tarungon lang nato atong systema, kay kon di nato tarungon, mao gyud nay mahitabo, sunog, etc,” ended Hijara. (CEBU NEWS)