Fire victims in Lahug found hope in tragedy

Saturday, February 4, 2012

HOMELESS.

Penniless.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

But not heartless.

Instead of pointing the blame on anyone, the victims of a fire in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City late Friday night consoled and encouraged each other.

Around 30 families or 274 individuals were affected by the tragedy, said Cebu City’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) Chief Catherine Yso.

Yellow tents, which served as the victims’ temporary shelters, were set up near the fire site. Nearby, folding beds were lined up where the residents shared ideas on how they would start anew.

The fire razed 28 houses in Sitios Sto. Niño and NGA, taking at least P380,000 worth of properties.

The Cebu City Fire Department will summon the family of 42-year-old Flor Fuentes on Monday to shed light on the accident. It is still unclear how and where the fire started.

Flor, a sari-sari store owner, suffered second degree burns in her shoulder and both arms, while trying to put out the fire that destroyed her house.

Explosion

Flor, in an interview, recalled she heard an explosion outside her house while doing laundry. She said she initially ignored what she heard.

Her three kids were playing games on the computer in their living room, while her husband Eduardo, 49, went to the grocery store.

However, another explosion rang out, this time, in the upper level of her two-storey house, which prompted Flor to check what it was.

Flames, however, met her on the way, prompting her to get down and grab a pail of water.

Her efforts, however, proved futile as the flames had grown huge and started to destroy the family’s belongings.

“Nabalaka pa gyud ko kay basin na-trap akong mga anak. Nawagtang naman sila gud (I was also worried because I thought my children got trapped. I could no longer find them),” Flor said.

Her husband Eduardo later arrived, and saw how the flames gutted their home.

Flor pointed out that no appliance was plugged in upstairs that would have caused the fire.

The alarm was recorded at 9:12 p.m., but was controlled after 20 minutes of firefighting operations.

The fire was raised to a third alarm, which was aided by several volunteer brigades.

Narrow and pitch-dark alleys in the government-owned lot served as barriers in the firefighting.

Most of the houses destroyed were made of wooden materials.

The site, what seemed to be a lively area at night, has now been painted with dark smudges.

Despite the tragedy, residents found the strength to help each other in scouting for materials that could still be used.

“Wala ma’y gusto mahitabo ni. Kinsa man intawn ganahan nga mawagtangan ug panimalay? (Nobody wanted this to happen. Who would want to lose a house?),” said Teria Timaan, 54.

Timaan, who also lost her home, believed that the accident could be considered a blessing, for it also means change in their lives.