1 dead, 900 houses destroyed in Bataan fire

BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines — A fisherman died and around 900 houses were destroyed in a fire that hit a fishing village in Sitio Depensa, Barangay Capunitan in Orion town on Tuesday.

The remains of fisherman Rey Suson, 35, were recovered by rescuers during clearing operations.

Initial reports showed that the fire broke out when a gasoline container exploded.

A lighted matchstick that two boys, aged two and three, had been playing with reportedly landed in the container. 

The fire started at around 9 a.m. It was declared out after four hours. 

Orion Mayor Antonio Raymundo approved a resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan declaring a state of calamity in the town to allow the municipal government to use its calamity funds to assist the victims.