Fire hits brgy during fiesta

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — At least seven houses and small business structures, all of light materials, were razed in a fire of still unknown origin at the coastal village of Looc in Dumaguete City at noontime yesterday while the place was celebrating its fiesta for St. John The Baptist.

No one was injured in the fire that started at 12:04 p.m. in the village occupied mostly by informal settlers of the city, who have been busy preparing food for their fiesta celebration.

City Fire Chief Arnulfo Sayson said initial investigation showed the fire could have originated from one of the destroyed houses, most probably due to a neglected food cooking on a stove.

Some witnesses said they noticed smoke and immediately flames broke out in one of the houses in the interior area. The city fire department got a fire alarm, prompting it to deploy four fire trucks to the scene. Residents also helped put out the blaze by using pails and other containers. In just about ten minutes, the fire was already placed under the control, Sayson said.

Carola Alquero, Social Welfare and Development OIC officer, and a team of social workers came to the scene to provide immediate help, such as food, to the displaced victims.