A fire that erupted in a mountainous area of Cebu City on Thursday afternoon has left a trail of destruction, with initial damage estimates reaching P420,000. The blaze affected dozens of residents, destroying homes made of light materials.
Fire Details and Immediate Response
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the fire started at around 4:00 PM on December 4, 2025, at the house of Virginia Basergo in Sitio Sugarlandia, Barangay Bacayan. Flames quickly spread to neighboring houses due to the close proximity and light construction materials.
Firefighters received the emergency call at 4:37 PM and subsequently raised the fire alarm to first alarm status by 5:08 PM. Their prompt response was crucial in preventing further spread and ensuring no lives were lost.
Extent of Damage and Families Affected
The fire had a significant impact on the community. A total of seven houses were damaged. Of these, five were completely gutted, and two were partially burned.
The incident displaced eight families comprising 43 individuals. These families are now seeking temporary shelter and assistance as they begin the process of recovery.
Ongoing Investigation into the Cause
While the fire has been extinguished, the investigation into its origin is ongoing. BFP personnel are conducting a thorough probe to determine the exact cause.
Initial findings point to a leftover ember as one of the primary factors being considered. However, fire authorities have emphasized that their investigation is still continuing to confirm the definitive cause of the blaze.
Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries from the incident, a relief for the community and responders alike.
