Fifteen houses were engulfed in flames in a fire that broke out in Kalipayan Sagkahan and Brgy. 109-A, Tacloban City, shortly after 1:00 AM on October 30.
In an interview, Tacloban City Fire Marshal FCInspt. Anthony De Paz reported that the fire started at a residential house in Sagkahan after 1 am and quickly spread to nearby structures made of light materials.
15 houses burned in Tacloban fire
Fourteen houses were reported as totally damaged in the incident, with estimated losses amounting to PHP 750,000. There were no reports of casualties.
Meanwhile, another fire occurred at 1:57 AM in the V&G area, originating from a residential property owned by a 38-year-old individual identified only as alias RZ.
According to investigators, the fire broke out in a room near the kitchen and rapidly engulfed the entire house.
Fortunately, both incidents resulted in no reported injuries or fatalities.
De Paz noted that initial findings suggest that carelessly left candles may have been the cause of both fires. The observance of All Souls’ Day and All Saints Day from Nov. 1-2 saw the use of candles in commemorating the dead.
It was also mentioned that an unscheduled power interruption occurred that night, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Tacloban said.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact causes of the fires, while local residents are left to deal with the aftermath of the devastating incidents.
The City Fire Department has reminded the community about fire safety and the importance of being cautious with open flames, especially during power outages.
As the investigations proceed, the local government is looking into assistance options for affected families.
(Photo courtesy of BFP Tacloban)
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