FIREFIGHTERS conduct a mopping up operation after containing a fire in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City on Wednesday morning, Sept. 17. (CDRRMO)
CEBU CITY – More than 40 houses were razed in an early morning fire in Barangay Tejero here on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The fire broke out past 3 a.m. and it took two hours before it was contained, said SFO3 Wendell Villanueva, information officer of the Cebu City Fire Office.
The fire reached third alarm, prompting firefighters from nearby areas to respond.
Villanueva said 42 houses were razed, rendering 87 families homeless.
There were reports that a lighted candle in a house caused the fire.
“Some residents were saying that it was caused by an unattended lighted candle but we are exploring all possible causes,” Villanueva said.
Damage to property was placed at P1.3 million.
Fire victims are temporarily sheltered at the Tejero Sports Complex.
The city Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) has provided food packs to fire victims.
Portia Basmayor, head of DSWS, said housing materials and financial assistance will be given to the displaced families.
“We will try our best to speed up the release of the assistance and we will coordinate with the National Housing Authority and Department of Social Welafe and Development additional assistance will be given to the fire victims,” Basmayor said.