Fire razes remote mining community in Compostela Valley

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – At least P13 million worth of property went up in smoke in a massive fire that razed a mining community in Pantukan, Compostela Valley, early Tuesday, officials said.

Some 50 houses and establishments were razed when fire swept through Panganason, in the village of Kingking village around 2 a.m., Governor Arturo Uy said.

Rhona Siojo, municipal social welfare officer, said the community’s sheer distance from the municipal fire station and its being situated atop a mining area over a thousand feet above sea level prevented fire engines from immediately reaching the place.

“The fire still burned when we arrived there past 8 a.m. Residents could do little with their small water hoses against the raging flames,” Siojo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

Uy said the fire affected mostly small-time miners, and that he was still waiting for updates from social welfare officials as to the extent of the damage.

“Fortunately there were no injuries,” Siojo said.

Several families who lost their homes were temporarily housed at a nearby school and a chapel while initial aid of food and clothing was dispatched by the provincial government, said Siojo.

Several months ago, the area was hit by a landslide that buried several people.