AROUND 76 houses were burned while three people, including a minor, were hurt in a late night fire in Sitio Laray, Barangay San Roque, Talisay City on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.

The fire began at 10:42 p.m. and was raised to third alarm at 11:14 p.m., said Talisay City Fire Marshal Chief Insp. Alvin Torion.

It was declared under control at 11:50 p.m. with the damage pegged at P625,000.

According to investigators, the blaze began at a two-story house and may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring or a substandard appliance.

Of the 76 houses that were affected by the fire, 64 were destroyed while 12 sustained partial damage, said Torion.

Aside from the damaged houses, three people identified as Fredirick Utos, 43; Don Mark Nebrida, 24; and a four-year-old girl were brought to the hospital after sustaining burns during the fire.

It took around 40 firefighters from the cities of Talisay, Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu and from Minglanilla town to help put out the fire.

Torion said they had some difficulty in quickly controlling the blaze as the roads leading to the fire site were too narrow.

Some 91 families or 394 individuals living in the area were evacuated to the barangay’s multi-purpose gym.

San Roque Barangay Captain Jun Cabrera told Radio DySS on Tuesday, Feb. 7, that the Talisay City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) provided meals and modular tents to the fire victims.

Hero

Torion recognized the heroism of 34-year-old Leo Niez who rescued three minors trapped inside a burning house during the fire.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. also recognized Niez for his bravery.

Gullas said he spoke to Niez when he visited the evacuation area on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Niez who sells native sausages (chorizo) for a living told the mayor that he was in the process of trying to save some of his personal belongings when he heard the cries of the three children nearby.

Gullas plans to recognize Niez in a short program at City Hall after their flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Feb. 13. (Jenika Gi-An C. Nero, St. Theresa’s College Intern, GPL / JKV)