AT least 40 houses were destroyed in a fire that hit Sitio Kawayan, Barangay Lagtang in Talisay City, Cebu on Friday dawn, Feb. 12, 2021.

Lagtang Barangay Captain Chester Salcedo said 46 families or 119 individuals lost their homes.

The sitio was already placed under state of calamity by the barangay council to expedite its relief efforts.

Salcedo said some of the affected families were placed inside the barangay gym, while others went to stay with their relatives.

Talisay Fire Marshal Arnel Abella said they received the alarm at 1:36 a.m.

The alarm was raised to level three, prompting the fire departments from Cebu Province and Naga and fire brigades from Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, Barangay Capitol Site, and Kinasang-an to respond.

The fire was controlled by 2:15 a.m. and completely put out by 3:17 a.m.

Fire investigators estimated the damage to reach P2.2 million.

They are still investigating the cause of the fire. No casualties were reported. (BBT)