A fire broke out in a classroom at Sudtonggan Elementary School in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City at around 10:42 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, the first day of classes for the school year.
Immediate Evacuation and Response
School Principal Precious Vano confirmed that the teacher on duty quickly evacuated all students from the affected Grade 3 classroom. The teacher's prompt action ensured the safety of the pupils, with no injuries reported.
Fire Officer 1 Vincent Rhey Reyes, an investigator from the Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, stated that initial findings point to electrical failure as the cause of the fire. The blaze originated from an electrical source within the classroom.
Teachers Extinguish Fire
Vano reported that teachers managed to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher at 10:50 a.m., just eight minutes after it started, before fire personnel arrived at the scene. “We have teachers who are already trained and oriented on how to use fire extinguishers,” Vano said, highlighting the school's preparedness.
To ensure continuity of learning, activities for the affected students will be sent through their group chat, Vano added.
Investigation and Affected Rooms
Vano noted that seven rooms remain unused and are under investigation because they are connected to the classroom where the fire started. The school is cooperating fully with authorities to determine the full extent of the damage and prevent future incidents.
