Fire gobbles up a dozen houses in Cotabato City; fire prevention drive starts

COTABATO CITY – A fire of still unknown origin gutted about a dozen houses here early Monday morning as fire authorities renewed their call for residents to be cautious in the coming summer months.

Senior Supt. Danny Reyes, city police director, said the fire on Barangay Bagua Dos started around 8 a.m. and quickly spread.

There was no casualty reported, however, he said.

City Fire Marshal Adam Guiamad said they had been warning residents about fires, in view of the fast-approaching summer months.

“Summer months are fire prevention months,” he said.

Guiamad said the Bagua Dos fire was put out – with the help of local fire volunteers and firefighters from nearby areas – about 10 a.m.

“Damage to properties could reach several millions of pesos but we are still assessing,” he said.

Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said he has directed the city social welfare office to immediately look into the plight of the victims.