Noon fire reduces 17 homes to ashes

CEBU, Philippines - A fire erupted in a residential area in Purok 1, Barangay Nangka, Consolacion town yesterday, flattening out at least 17 houses and leaving around P200,000 in damages.

Fire Officer 1 Cricenciano Quijano Jr. of Consolacion Fire Station said a resident called for help at 11:37 a.m. yesterday, reporting the fire in the area.

When the firefighters arrived at the fire scene, they assessed that more houses could be damaged if they fight the fire alone.  Quijano said they quickly elevated the status to Task Force Alpha, which means that they called the assistance of Mandaue City, Cebu City, Liloan and Compostela Fire Stations.

While the fire trucks of the neighboring fire stations were still on the way, the fire slowly engulfed the houses of Sergio Maglasang; Boy Maglasang; Jimmy Cuizon; Charito Quiapo; Jesus Maglasang; Lucita Surgiao; Anabela Tabardo; Balbero Bileña Jr.; Antonion Bileña; Justine Clyde Arda; Lovely Niña Cabardo; Anlyn Fajardo; Rizalita Orianola; Josefa Soco; Rose Bella Aguilar; Judah Desierdo; and Emma Carbonquillo.

Quijano said the fire has been placed under control at 12:17 noon but the 17 houses were already reduced to ashes. For some houses, only the concrete walls remained.

Firefighters had completely put out the fire at 12:30.

Investigators, as of this writing, were not yet sure what could have caused the fire because residents had different versions of the story. Quijano said they were still validating the reports they received from the residents.

Some of the affected residents have temporarily sought refuge from Nangka Barangay Hall. (FREEMAN)