TACLOBAN CITY – Six houses and 21 business establishments were razed by a fire before dawn on Labor Day in Barangay Poblacion del Sur, Villaba, Leyte.
SMOKE rises from houses and businesses razed by a fire in Villaba, Leyte on Labor Day. (Photo by Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernandino Tacoy)
Three people were injured while 25 people or six families were affected.
Reports disclosed that the fire allegedly started in a drugstore and spread out to neighboring establishments.
The local fire station coordinated with neighboring fire stations – Kananga, Tabango, Palompon, Carigara, Capoocan, Isabel, Calubian, San Isidro, and Ormoc City – for reinforcement. A total of 13 fire trucks arrived.
Mayor Bernandino Tacoy of Matag-ob, Leyte sent two fire trucks to help put out the fire. Tacoy added that they also sent relief goods to the affected families.
The fire was declared under control by the Villaba Bureau of Fire Protection at around 7:41 a.m.
The Villaba local government unit and the BFP have yet to release information on the extent of the damage since clearing operation is still ongoing.