Fire hits Cebu City hospital

CEBU CITY, Philippines–Fire broke out at the basement of Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital (CDUH) in Cebu City on Tuesday night but was immediately put under control.

The Cebu City Fire Department received a fire alarm around 8:30 p.m. But in less than an hour, Senior Fire Officer 2 Leo Magallon said the blaze was placed under control.

The arson department was investigating the source of the fire though reports said it seemed to have begun in the linen or laundry department of the five-story hospital.

According to radio reports, all patients were being evacuated from the medical facility.

Some were immediately transported to nearby hospitals in Cebu City while others were housed at the private hospital’s adjacent Medical Arts Center.

A guard of the CDUH observed that the fire started at the linen department, which is located at the basement.

“Kalit kaayo. Nabantayan na lang namo ang aso diha sa basement (Everything happened abruptly. We just noticed the smoke from all over the basement),” a guard said over the radio.

Fire trucks were positioned along Governor Roa Street.

In October 2013, the fifth floor of CDUH caught fire but was also immediately put out.