CEBU CITY – Eighty houses were destroyed in an early morning fire in a residential area in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City, southern Cebu on Wednesday, January 24.
The fire started at 8:10 a.m. and was raised to third alarm at 8:23 a.m. as the flames spread quickly since most of the houses in the area were made of light materials, said Fire Officer 1 Jerome Dolauta of the Talisay City Fire Office.
FIREMEN battle a blaze in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City, southern Cebu on Wednesday morning, January 24. (Contributed photo)
The fire was placed under control at 9:12 a.m. Fire out was declared at 9:20 a.m.
Damage to property reached P3 million while more than 100 families were displaced, said Dolauta.
Fire victim Rosalito Quijano said the fire started at the house of his neighbor Oliver Rodriguez.
Quijano said it was the fifth time that the house of his neighbor caught fire.
Dolauta said an investigation will be conducted to determine where exactly the fire started.
Alvin Torsion, city fire marshal, said there was no problem accessing the area but strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly.
Displaced families are temporary sheltered at the city gymnasium.
The City Social Welfare and Services immediately distributed food and other immediate assistance to fire victims.