ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 165 individuals were rendered homeless by a fire that broke out in one of the stalls at the flea market in Barangay Curuan here on Saturday evening.
Superintendent Jhufel Brañanola, the city Fire Marshal, said the fire broke out around 8:50 p.m. and had spread into the residential area near the market.
“Fireout was declared around 11:10 p.m. No one was injured or hurt but the estimated damage reached around P3 million,” Brañanola said.
The estimate on damage was based on the cost of the 15 residential homes and 50 market stalls that were razed.
He said the cause of the fire had not been ascertained yet as investigation continued.
Brañanola said responders also encountered some problems because the fire scene was about 50 kilometers away from the city.
“We really need to establish more fire stations and augment the existing number of our firetrucks,” he added.
Maria Socorro Rojas, the city social welfare officer, said the displaced residents had been profiled and were provided food packs and water.
She said more assistance would be delivered on Sunday. /je