THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Central Visayas has declared the fire that hit Metro Department Store and Supermarket in Cebu Business Park under control.

BFP-Central Visayas Director Samuel Tadeo said the fire was declared under control at 12:45 p.m., Sunday, January 7. This means the blaze can no longer affect other establishments in Ayala Center Cebu mall.

Tadeo said damage to property was initially estimated at P100 million. He said that plastics and clothes contributed to the fire.

He further said they will do their best to declare a fire-out on Sunday night, January 7.

Senior Inspector Paul Patrick Laude, chief of BFP-Central Visayas's Special Rescue Unit, said firefighters have not seen flames inside the store, only embers.

Nagiel Bañacia, Cebu City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office head, said no firefighters and volunteers were injured. (KAL)