CEBU, Philippines - The campaign of the Cebu City fire department against the occurrence of fire this fire prevention month seems to face challenges with at least three incidents in just a day yesterday.
An apartment owned by Virginia Ngosiok at the Arriola Compound in Barangay Sambag 1 caught fire at past 2 p.m.
Senior Fire Officer 1 Ariel Balajadia said they received the alarm at 2:24 p.m. and the fire was placed under control in 12 minutes. Fire out was declared at 3:09 p.m.
Balajadia said the fire originated from the room rented by Janice Cruz on the second floor. A resident reportedly noticed flickering sounds and later smoke coming out of the room. Balajadia said the fire might have been caused by faulty electrical connection.
He said it was difficult to access the apartment because there is only one entry point, which cannot accommodate a fire truck. Firefighters had to connect six hoses to combat the fire.
Also yesterday, fire struck yet again a grassy area of Monterrazas de Cebu and the South Road Properties. The other day, fire ate up a large portion of a grassy area in Monterrazas, as well as the South Road Properties just several days ago.
City Fire Marshal Rogelio Bongabong Jr. said it is highly possible that the grassfires were triggered by lighted cigarette butts that motorists drop in the areas. Another possible cause are people burning their garbage on the ground and leave them unattended.
“Dapat magbantay ta, di nato biyaan ang atong kwarto nga nakasaksak ang atong appliances labi na atong panahon karon init gamay-gamay ra nga spark mosilaob dayon,” Balajadia said. — (FREEMAN)