THE City Government of Zamboanga has mobilized its resources to provide assistance to the 700 families affected by the fire that hit Purok 2 in Arena Blanco village on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Mayor John Dalipe rushed to the fire scene to facilitate response, as he tasked concerned City Government agencies to provide the immediate needs of the affected families temporarily housed at the Arena Blanco East Elementary School, which serves as evacuation center.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office report indicated that 120 houses mostly made of light materials were razed by the more than four-hour conflagration.

An updated report provided by the Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFC) showed that four persons, including a fireman, were injured during the fire incident.

The ZCFD identified them as Fire Officer 1 Alghandi Paraji, Gerald Estrada, Sabdain Alsharif, and Abdulhamid Adameer.

Superintendent Christopher Morales, ZCFD marshal, said the fire broke out around 8:39 a.m. Monday, September 18, in Sibiktol Drive in Arena Blanco village, nine kilometers east of Zamboanga City.

Morales said investigation showed the fire started at the residence of Hadji Kimmik Asjain, 70, and rapidly spread to nearby houses mostly made of light materials.

The firefighters declared fire out around 12:55 p.m. Monday, September 18.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office is also conducting verification and tallying of the affected families, for assistance distribution. (SunStar Zamboanga)