AROUND 30 houses were destroyed, seven were damaged, and two individuals were injured after a fire broke out at 12:23 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lower Paradise 3, Barangay Kinasang-an, Cebu City.
The Cebu City Fire Station received the alarm at 12:23 p.m., and by 12:30 p.m., the fire was declared under control, having been raised only to first alarm.
The fire originated from the house of Hadji Said, which was occupied by two families, and quickly spread to neighboring homes.
During the fire, two people were injured: Joalie Macadato, 18, who sustained burns on her left arm and leg, and Jhamalodin Macadato, 22, who had difficulty breathing.
Data from the Bureau of Fire Protection showed that the fire affected around 40 families or roughly 150 individuals, and caused an estimated damage of P975,000.
Senior Fire Officer Wendell Villanueva, spokesperson of the Cebu City Fire Station, said that fire investigators are still determining the exact cause of the blaze.
They are also verifying reports from neighbors claiming the fire may have been caused by an illegal electricity connection.
Authorities had reportedly warned residents against using jumper connections, but some allegedly did not heed the warnings, possibly leading to the fire.
Villanueva said they are now thoroughly investigating the validity of these accounts from the community. (AYB)