AN EARLY morning fire hit 17 houses in a residential area in Sitio Drihoa, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City on Monday, April 22.

Fire Officer 3 Nielson Daculan, fire investigator of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Visayas, said they received the alarm at 8:25 a.m.

“The small road in the entrance made it difficult for us to enter the fire scene. The neighboring government offices helped us when they opened their gates so our water could penetrate through the burning houses,” he said.

The fire was raised to third alarm at 8:32 a.m.

The origin of the fire was traced to the two-story house of Raffy Rapsing, who said they noticed smoke on the electric post beside their house.

“Suddenly, the fire was everywhere. We couldn't do anything,” he said.

Damage was pegged at P350,000.

No one was reported injured.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Lahug barangay captain Hazel Muaña-Empleyo said they will extend assistance to the affected residents and will set up tents near the area.

The fire was declared fire out at 10:29 a.m.