LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan led the distribution of food items to fire victims in Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Pajac on Thursday, August 15, 2019.
Chan handed out packs of rice, noodles and canned sardines to 59 fire-affected residents in the sitio.
On Thursday, August 15 at around 12:42 p.m., 17 families were displaced when fire razed 12 houses made of mostly light materials. Damage is estimated at around P120,000.
Fire Inspector Ethel Margaha, Lapu-Lapu City Fire Marshall, said the explosion of butane cansiters refilled with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) caused the fire in the area.
Margaha added that there were four illegal refilling stations present in Sitio Kalubihan and they did not have any safety measures for their activities.
Chan urged Oponganons to be cautious in buying butane canisters, explaining that tin canisters are not good materials for containing LPG.
"Wa na gi-design ang cannister to be filled-up with LPG. Dapat, butane gyud. Ang ilahang gi-refill sa canister is LPG, dili butane, nga prone sya nga mobuto (the cannisters were not designed to be filled with LPG. It's supposed to be for butane. These refilling stations refilled the butane canisters with LPG, which is prone to explosion)," Chan said.
Chan stressed that activities such as refilling canisters are illegal and such businesses endanger the lives of communities.
The fire department is still establishing the identities of the owners of the refilling stations for possible filing of complaint. (PR)