Fires hit Consolacion, Bulacao; boy, 10, charred
A 10-yearold special child perished in a morning fire that also left 66 families in Sitio Villabusita, Cabancalan, Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City homeless and an estimated damage of P350,000.
In Consolacion, an afternoon fire left seven houses totally destroyed and two others partially damaged.
Bureau of Fire and Protection Chief Investigator Senior Fire Officer 3 Angelo Abellana said they received the alarm around 5:45 a.m. yesterday and were able to place it under control around 6:15 a.m.
Abellana, said that investigations revealed that the fire started in the residence of Fernando Sumagang, where the 10-year-old boy Fedrick, was seen allegedly playing with fire matches on the second floor of their house.
Since most of the houses in the area are built of light materials, the fire easily spread in the neighboring houses.
Residents in the community said they have seen the child either playing with matches or with a neighbor’s gas stove.
The investigating officers, however, said they need to validate and determine the cause of the fire.
Fire victim Maricris Ege 39, a barbeque vendor, said she was about to go to the market for her daily rounds when she saw her neighbor’s house on fire.
“Akong nakita gyud kay ang kayo tupad na gyud sa amoa, kung naka-pangumpra pa ko, akong anak patay gyud tanan, may nalang naa’y electric fan mao’y nagsagang nila nga dili sila maabtan sa kayo. Wala nako’y nadala,” Ege said.
She tried to save some of her belongings and cash by going back inside her house but she collapsed along the way due to suffocation.
“Nibalik pa ko, nakuyapan gani ko. Wana ko kahibaw kung kinsa nagguyod nako,” Ege said.
Bulacao Barangay Captain Rodrigo D. Jabellana said that cash assistance and reconstruction budget will be distributed to the families in due time, as they intend to tap their calamity funds.
He said that as of the moment, the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) from Cebu City government will be distributing packed lunch for three days, then distribute kitchen utensils and disaster kits.
He said victims had been evacuated to the nearby San Agustin chapel. He has also talked to the principal of Bulacao Community High School for an added temporary shelter for the victims.
The Cebu City Government will give financial assistance amounting to P20, 000 to the affected residents.
Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) Head Nagiel Bañacia said the city will also be giving cash aid for Fedrick’s burial.
Bañacia also said the DSWS are now distributing food packs to the fire victims.
"Wala pa nahuman ang sunog, the Department of Public Services have already made its move to provide temporary shelter,” he said.
He divulged that the fire victims can go back and rebuild their houses in the area, as they do not see the need for a reblocking.
In Consolacion, Fire Officer 1 Cyro Fua said the fire started at around 3:40 p.m. in District 1, Pulpogan yesterday and they are verifying reports that the blaze started from an internet cafe.
Firefighters were able to respond to the alarm five minutes later, and they were able to control it at around 4:20 p.m.
Seven houses were totally destroyed and two were partially damaged.
The fire department estimated the damage at P300,000. No injury or casualty was reported in the incident.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.