Several angles are being looked into as the cause of Wednesday?s fire that hit LGC Marketing on MJ Cuenco Avenue, including an electric short circuit and possible firecrackers.

Investigators will check if firecrackers were stored in the four-story commercial building that was gutted.

Since Christmas is nearing, it?s possible firecrackers were kept in the store, said Supt. Esmael Codilla, Cebu City fire marshal.

The store, owned by couple George and Celerina Lee, sold a wide variety of China-made products.

The couple and their two sons, Richard Michael, were sleeping on the fourth floor when the fire broke out 7:53 p.m.

Since George is a paralytic, paramedics from the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (Eruf) had to enter the burning building to rescue him and bring him out on a stretcher.

The fire was put under control in one hour and 35 minutes.

Codilla said fire investigators are checking other factors to determine the cause of the fire which destroyed about P14 million in property.

Another theory is an electrical short circuit.

Codilla said the fire started on the second floor where the building?s electrical section was located.

Fire probers yesterday returned to the site to inspect debris that could be used in their investigation.

Clearing operations were started on the first floor of the building.

Codilla said thick smoke was still coming out of the building.

Firetrucks were standing by in case the fire would rekindle.