A FIRE destroyed two hardware stores on Hernan Cortes Ave., Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City last night.
Firefighters believed that chemicals fueled the blaze that hit Com Hardware and the neighboring Eagle Hardware.
Mandaue City Bureau of Fire Protection duty officer FO2 Glen Kampilan said the alarm was tapped at 8:22 p.m.
As of 10 p.m., the fire was still on level Alpha and FO3 Cipriano Codilla said they are yet to determine the cause of the fire cause and the extent of its damage.
According to a dySS report, the firewall between the two prevented the blaze from spreading fast.
The fire in Com Hardware spread to Eagle Hardware, starting from the third floor but it was later controlled.
City Fire Marshal Rogelio Bongabong Jr. immediately raised fire alarm level to “Alpha,” but stayed because of sporadic explosions caused by the chemicals.
Subangdaku Police Station policemen kept kibitzers a few meters away because of the explosions.
Firefighters from Mandaue, Cebu City and Consolacion responded to the alarm.
The fire scene is near the old Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board building on Hernan Cortes St. and is a few meters away from Mandaue Foam, a home furnishing store.