Fire displaces 7 families in Cebu City mountain village

CEBU CITY, Philippines — At least seven families were displaced in a fire that broke out in the mountain village of Paril in Cebu City on Wednesday noon.

As of 5 p.m., firefighters were trying to put out the fire that burned several trees, said Paril village captain Casimiro Pilones.

But Pilones could not yet say how big the area an area was affected by the fire which he believed was started by people who were making charcoal.

The blaze immediately spread because there were several dried leaves and the trees were dying due to the hot weather brought about the long dry spell.

Temperature in Cebu City was recorded at 32 degrees on Wednesday afternoon.

Pelonis said seven families who lived in the area had been evacuated.

He said fire which started in an elevated portion of the mountain village is moving downwards.

As of 5:30 p.m., the fire was about 200 meters away from the shanties.

Pelonis said they will temporarily accommodate the families at the village hall.