Barangay Tejero fire affects 15 households, leaves P2.4M damage

RESIDENTS of Sitio Back Blessed in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City had just finished their lunch when a fire alarm broke out around noon Sunday, September 10, 2023.

Fire authorities estimated the damage caused by the blaze to be around P2.4 million, as it affected 15 households.

Of the 15 structures, nine were completely burned, while six were damaged.

A total of 60 individuals from these 15 families were affected by the fire.

A report from the Cebu City Fire Station stated that the office received the alarm at 1:39 p.m. Sunday. The first alarm was then raised at 1:42 p.m. and raised to second alarm at 1:52 p.m.

The fire was placed under control at 2:09 p.m., and firefighters declared the fire extinguished at 2:15 p.m.

Around 37 fire trucks from various stations responded to the incident.

Fire Officer 1 Pedie Canillas, the investigator handling the case, said they have not yet determined what caused the blaze.

He said they still need to thoroughly inspect the electrical wirings, as the area was quite hazardous and hot.

"Wala pa gyud ta. Naa pa mi mga electrical (wirings) nga tan-awonon pa to namo og balik kay baho pa kaayo didto ug init pa kaayo," he said.

Residents who spoke to SunStar Cebu after the incident said an overheated cellphone charger was the likely cause of the fire, which reportedly started in a house near Monariza Temple.

Authorities said investigation will continue. (KJF)