Fire razes 16 houses, injures 3 in Toledo City

CEBU, Philippines - Three people were injured and 16 houses went up in smoke early morning yesterday in Barangay Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City.

Margie Abalorio and Amihan Sanora suffered first degree burns while trying to salvage some of their belongings from their burning houses. Gemma Catanisan had her hand injured while also trying to save personal belongings.

Fire investigator Constancio Alcover said the victims were only given first aid since they did not anymore want to be brought to the hospital. 

The fire, which was believed to have been caused by a lighted candle, started at the second floor of the house owned by Anastacio Gomez. The fire alarm was received by the Toledo City Fire Department at 2:25 a.m.

It was raised to third alarm and was placed under control 15 minutes later. Firemen declared fire out at exact 3 a.m. Firefighters from the neighboring towns of Pinamungajan and Balamban helped put off the fire.

Initial investigation shows that the fire started at the second floor of Gomez’ house which was occupied by tenants. Gomez lives at the ground floor of the house while renting out the second floor.

According to the fire investigator, a lighted candle may have started the fire because Gomez’ power supply was cut off few days ago.

  “Murag wala nabantayi ang kandila unya katag kuno kayo sa taas basin nikatap sa mga panapton unya light materials lang dali kaayo gikaon sa kayo,” Alcover said.

Alcover estimated the damage at P70,000. Aside from the 16 houses that were razed by fire there were three others that were partially damaged.

The fire department and the local government unit are yet to determine the total number of families and individuals affected. —/FPL (FREEMAN)