THE fire that struck a residential area in Pita-Pita Mulmac, Piaping Puti, Macabalan left at least P1.3 million damage.

The fire broke out while a program was ongoing during the inauguration of the biggest port passenger terminal in the said barangay. It started around 3 p.m. and was declared fire out 5 p.m.

According to Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), a laboratory of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was also damaged.

There were no casualties reported, while cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) reported 103 families affected by the fire, consisting of 411 individuals.

About 59 houses were destroyed, while five were damaged.

City Administrator Teodoro Sabuga-a Jr. said the CSWD has provided community kitchen for the fire victims and distributed toiletries and beddings they can use while temporarily staying at the barangay covered court.

The CSWD is also distributing Disaster Access Family Card to avail more assistance from the government.

Sabuga-a said they will still determine if the families will be allowed to rebuild their homes in the area. (PJ Orias)