ABOUT 18 families lost their homes in a fire that broke out at sitio Kalubihan, barangay Quiot in Cebu City at 1:19 p.m. yesterday.
Insp. Jose Laurito, chief operations officer of the Cebu City Fire Station said based on the accounts of residents the fire was caused by an overheated bulb in the house of a certain Leocres Catubig.
He said six houses were destroyed while four others were damaged by the fire that was put out an hour later.
Laurito said the firefighters found it difficult to enter the fire scene since it was located within a privately-owned lot.
Three men were reported to suffered minor injuries.
Barangay Councilor Jojo Martinez said firefighters passed through a road near Kalubihan Street where a construction firm allowed entry of the firetrucks.
Food was provided by Cebu City Hall’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) good for three days.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who visited the area, said they will provide cash aid, utensils and housing materials.
Yesterday’s fire was the fifth to hit Cebu City this February. Tomorrow is the start of the annual observance of Fire Prevention Month. Correspondents Christine Emily L. Pantaleon and Chito Aragon