Fire destroys 9 houses in Lapu-Lapu

NINE houses were razed when a fire caused by an overheated air-conditioning unit struck a densely populated barangay in Lapu-Lapu Cty.

The fire broke out at 7:25 p.m. in sitio Tumoy Suba-Masulog, barangay Basak. The fire was contained in 10 minutes.

Property damage was pegged at P1.6 million.

Fire investigator Atelano Berido Jr. said the fire started at the house owned by Dominga Potot.

The fire immediately spread since some of the houses were made of light materials, said Berido.

No one was injured in the incident.

Berido said the narrow road prevented firetrucks from reaching the fire scene.

Firefighters had to connect their hoses to put out the flames.

The fire also razed the houses of Esterlita Potot, Camilo Manayon, Rito Piscadero, Edion Manayon, Mateo Degamo, Eilly Serano and Arlyn Bayo.

Personnel of the City Social Welfare and Development went to the area to assist the fire victims./CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA