BARELY three weeks after twin fires displaced 351 families in two sitios in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, another fire incident hit the barangay, and this time, in Sitio Tevil on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, causing significant damage to residential properties and displacing 35 families.
The prompt response of the City’s firefighting team prevented any loss of life; however, the blaze consumed a significant portion of the residential area, with the property damage pegged at P1.8 million.
The fire was reported at 1:39 p.m. on Thursday, prompting an immediate response from multiple fire units and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Firefighters arrived at the fire scene at 1:42 p.m. The fire escalated to a second alarm status at 1:53 p.m.
Based on reports, authorities successfully brought the fire under control by 2:05 p.m., completely extinguishing it by 2:09 p.m.
No one died or was injured. Nevertheless, the consequences were severe, with five houses partially burned and 18 others reduced to ashes, leaving 23 households without shelter.
About 150 people from 35 families were affected by the incident.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances and causes of this incident while the fire’s cause is still under investigation.
The police, however, currently have a mentally challenged woman in custody as they suspect she may have initiated the fire.
Following the fire, local authorities have promised to offer aid, including temporary shelter, food, and essential supplies.
Barangay Tejero is providing initial support to the affected residents, who are currently at the Barangay Tejero Gymnasium.
Last Sept. 11, two separate fire incidents struck sitios Back Blessed and Laurente, in Barangay Tejero, leaving some 351 individuals homeless.
The estimated total property damage was P6.6 million; no casualties or injuries were reported as a result of the fires.