Dawn fire razes over 50 houses, chapel in Minglanilla

CEBU, Philippines — A massive dawn fire that hit a residential area in Sitio Fatima Purok Mangga Lower Lipata, Minglanilla Cebu yesterday has displaced more than 200 individuals and has incurred more than P2.2 million worth of damage to properties.

The fire was first reported at 3:20 a.m. and was raised to first alarm just a few minutes after.

Around 4:15, it was placed under control and pronounced fire out around 4:37 a.m

It displaced over 64 families composed of 224 individuals.

The fire hit 52 houses, with 49 of them destroyed, including a chapel. Three other houses were partially damaged.

No one was reported injured or dead during the incident, while the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Meanwhile, the local government of Minglanilla assured that they are helping out the fire victims.

"Ang Municipal Government of Minglanilla padayon nga nag hatag og hinabang sa mga nasunogan. Sa mga gusto motabang, you can drop your donations sa Linao Barangay Hall," the LGU said in a Facebook post.

"Your help and donations are crucial in helping these families get back on their feet," the statement read.

The fire victims are currently sheltered at Lipata Central Elementary School, where they have been provided with relief packs. –/ATO (FREEMAN)