TACLOBAN CITY – Over 120 houses were charred in a fire that broke around 2:10 A.M., Tuesday (April 18), in Calbayog City.
Initial investigation disclosed that the conflagration started from the house owned by one Mitziy Jalalon, and was being rented by Atos Catalan, at Purok 3, Brgy. Carmen, that also affected Purok 1-A, Brgy. Obrero.
The lessee and his live-in partner were not around when the fire started in one of the rooms.
Accordingly, the fire was already huge upon the arrival of the authorities. It was already on the third alarm, which prompted the local fire bureau to request assistance from the neighboring fire stations of Oquendo Fire Station, Tinambacan Fire Station, and San Joaquin Fire Station.
Stations from neighboring towns Sta. Margarita Fire Station and San Jorge Fire Station also came to help and to prevent the fire from further spreading.
The BFP Calbayog personnel declared the fire incident as “controlled” at about 4:30 A.M. and was declared fire-out at around 5:10 A.M.
No one was reportedly hurt while the cost of damage was estimated at PHP 3 million. Meanwhile, City Mayor Raymund Uy called on his fellow Calbayognons to help the fire victims in any way they can. “One way to lend a helping hand is to donate cash or any necessary items such as blankets, toys, clothing, food, and toiletries,” he said. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail April 17-23, 2023 issue)
