FIREFIGHTERS had enough water to douse the fire that hit Sitio Silangan 2 in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City at 4:50 p.m. Friday, April 26.
Firefighters had it under control at 6 p.m. The fire gutted about 90 houses.
Water supply in parts of Cebu and Talisay cities is scarce because the Jaclupan dam, from which the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) sources its supply, is nearly depleted owing to a long dry spell.
Cebu City Fire Marshal Noel Ababon said they are investigating the cause of the fire, although the initial report that reached them said a boy had been seen playing matches in the neighborhood.
Ababon said initial details showed that the fire started at the house of Preciano Karomayan which is being rented by Joie Bantugan.
They received the fire alarm at 4:50 p.m. and declared the blaze under Task Force Alpha at 5:11 p.m.
Firefighters from other stations and nearby cities responded to the alarm.
The fire victims were evacuated to the Tejero barangay gym. (From AYB and GPL of SuperBalita Cebu, JKV)