ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A former policeman was injured while attempting to rescue another in a big fire that razed at least 10 houses in a village Monday morning in this city, fire and local authorities said.
The lone injured victim was identified as former police officer Antonio Espiritusanto, who sustained first degree burns on his left arm, said station 6 police commander Chief Inspector Elmer Acuña.
Fire responders said the conflagration started about 9:50 a.m. at the densely populated drive of Royal and Square lanes in Barangay Tugbungan, sending residents to carry their belongings and flee the fire.
City Councilor Eddie Saavedra, who rushed to the site, said the fire displaced more than 50 residents.
Initial investigation disclosed that the fire allegedly started from the kitchen of one of the gutted houses and rapidly spread to the adjoining houses, said city fire marshal Superintendent Dominador Zabala Jr.
The immediate response of the fire bureau with their new fire trucks and equipment acquired by the city government prevented the conflagration from razing more houses.
The fire officer estimated the damage of the conflagration to have reached more than P100,000.