4 fires mark start of Cebu City’s observance of Fire Prevention Month

Local

THE Fire Prevention Month started with a stark reminder of its importance as Cebu City recorded four fire incidents within 24 hours on Sunday, March 2.

The blazes left hundreds displaced and caused millions of pesos in damage.

The most destructive fire happened in Sitio Badjaowan, Barangay Mambaling, where flames rapidly destroyed homes made of light materials.

Firefighters took two hours to control the fire, which destroyed 167 houses and affected 184 families or 822 individuals.

The Cebu City Fire Station (CCFS) estimated property losses at P1.5 million. A 32-year-old man sustained first-degree burns while escaping.

At around 1 p.m., another fire broke out in a bunkhouse near a casino and hotel at South Road Properties (SRP). Firefighters extinguished the flames within 30 minutes, but the damage reached P2.8 million.

Minutes later, firefighters responded to a grass fire in Barangay Guadalupe. Responders were able to put it out quickly.

The final fire alarm was raised at 6:53 p.m. in Barangay Basak San Nicolas. Investigators linked the cause to faulty electrical wiring, but firefighters contained the situation before it could escalate.

Authorities continue to remind the public to stay vigilant, as Fire Prevention Month aims to raise awareness and prevent further incidents.

In his speech during the Fire Prevention Month celebration, FSupt. Pedro Balatero Jr. of Bureau of Fire Protection-Central Visayas (BFP-) emphasized that while the call for fire safety is emphasized this March, it should be practiced all year round.

"The challenge before us is not really to prevent fire during this month but still to make a lasting commitment throughout the year," he said.(MyTVCebu)