Fire in Brgy. 23-C kills 6-year-old girl

THE fire that broke out in Brgy. 23-C, Quezon Boulevard, Davao City late evening of Tuesday, July 4, 2023, has claimed the life of a young girl and affected thousands of residents.

The fire incident happened at 11:55 p.m. at Purok 5-B, Isla Verde, Brgy. 23-C Darussalam.

The fire quickly razed the houses, which were made of wooden and light materials, and spread to the houses at Purok 6, Purok 1, and Purok 5-B.

The incident took the life of a six-year-old girl, who was allegedly abandoned by her parents. The girl was fast asleep when the fire broke out and she was not able to immediately escape.

According to a report from the Sta Ana Police Station, the victim was identified as Mary Alirose Iligan. She died from cardiopulmonary arrest.

The victim, who was rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for medical treatment, was no longer identifiable since her whole body incurred third-degree burns. Her 28-year-old father, on the other hand, sustained second-degree burns.

The girl was declared dead by attending physicians at 7:24 a.m on July 5.

According to Fire Officer 3 Michael Tonzo Gamut, at least 50 houses were destroyed in the fire with approximately P500,000 in damages.

The fire was declared under control at 2:42 a.m. on Wednesday. He said the fire was caused by an abandoned candle.

The displaced families were temporarily sheltered at the covered court of the Mini-Forest.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will also be providing assistance to the fire victims. (JPC)