A DISCARDED cigarette may have caused the fire which downed hometown hangout, Cafe by the Ruins, on April 30, a fire arson investigator said.
Senior Fire Officer 3 Nelson Duagan Sr., fire arson investigator of the Baguio City Fire Station said based on their progress report, there is a possibility the fire was caused by a cigarette.
Duagan said they found cigarette butts in the vicinity of the restaurant, however, they are still doing investigation where the butts came from.
The fire official added the roof of the restaurant where the fire started was made from "cogon" grass which can be easily burned. However, Daugan said they are not closing their investigation which caused the fire while awaiting witnesses who can pin point the main cause the blaze.
Duagan have also reminded different establishment owners to always check their building especially those made from light materials.
"We reminded them to have better practice about fire safety so in case there is a fire incident, they will know what to do," Duagan ended.
Eurotel Hotel clarified they do not have a hand in the fire saying there is no welding activity near the restaurant since no work was being done that day, which is a Sunday.
The hotel reported five air conditioning machines were damaged during the incident including glass blocks with an estimated cost of P600,000.
Ryan Chua, manager of the Cafe by the Ruins, said the management is meeting on plans for the establishment. (Ian Jefrey Addatu)