P28-M worth of property went up in smoke during Cebu warehouse fire

CEBU CITY — A fire that ravaged a warehouse in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on Thursday morning incurred an estimated damage of at least P28 million, according to the Cebu City Fire Office (CCFO).

At least four individuals, including three firefighters, sustained injuries during the fire.

They were identified as Ritchie Matalaguan, 43, who sustained a first degree burn on his left foot; FO2 Astris G Roble, 34; SFO1 Jeric Alburo 35; SFO1 John Kurly Bayron, 35; who were all experiencing difficulty of breathing due to suffocation.

As of Thursday, Fire Office 3 Fulbert Navarro, investigator on case, said investigators have yet to determine or point out the initial cause of fire.

Navarro said firefighters received the fire alarm at around 12:06 a.m. on Thursday.

It took about 12 hours to put out the fire.

According to Navarro, the warehouse stored assorted goods and ingredients for milk tea, soap, rechargeable solar lamps, and batteries.

“It was difficult for us to put out the fire since the stocks inside the warehouse caused more flames,” he said.

When the fire broke out, there were a few stay-in employees that were inside the warehouse. The owners were also present since they were living in the upper portion of the building.

Some firefighters were suffocated due to the thick smoke while others sustained first degree burns.

“Those who were injured and suffocated were attended to by emergency groups,” he said.

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JPV