P800,000 lost in Balusong fire

AN estimated P800,000 worth of properties were destroyed in a fire that razed 10 houses yesterday in Balusong, Matina, Davao City.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) arson investigator of Talomo Fire Station Senior Fire Officer 1 Dexter Avendanio said that the fire started around 7:56 a.m. at the house of a certain Gary Decatoria.

Based on their initial investigation, one of the probable causes they are looking into was the unattended lighted coconut shell charcoal in their house which they used for cooking.

Investigation showed that, probably, the spark of the charcoal went to the curtain as a strong wind triggered and aggravated the fire.

There was nobody at home and it was too late when the family members discovered the fire as it already became big and uncontainable.

The fire immediately razed other neighboring houses that were also made of light materials.

No casualties were recorded but the fire caused panic among the elderly. Victims were temporarily seeking shelter at barangay gym.

Avendanio added that nine hose were interconnected by the firefighters to reach the incident area because pathways were narrow and their vehicles were unable to enter.

Authorities again reminded the public to be alert and observe safety measures to avoid fire incidents because unlike typhoon where it has weather forecast, fire will strike unexpectedly. JCR