1 dead as fire razes houses in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – A 60-year-old man reportedly died while seven families, or 30 people, were displaced after a fire razed several houses in this city early Tuesday (Aug. 27), authorities said.

The fatality was identified as Joseph Deeije, a resident of Barangay Campo Filipino, according to the local firefighters.

An initial investigation showed that the fire started at 5:30 a.m. and spread quickly, destroying at least three houses inside a residential compound.

READ: Fire ravages parts of oldest shopping mall in Baguio City

The firefighters declared the fire out at 8:12 a.m. while the displaced residents were temporarily staying with their neighbors or relatives.

Village officials have started soliciting donations for the victims and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Cordillera has begun assessing the situation to determine the appropriate assistance for the fire victims.

Fire officials were still determining the cause of the fire and the cost of the damage.