Cebu City Fire Destroys 15 Homes, Displaces 75 Residents in Tisa Barangay
A devastating fire erupted in Sityo Filter Site, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, on the morning of Monday, March 23, 2026, resulting in the complete destruction of 15 homes and affecting 25 families, totaling 75 individuals. The blaze, which caused an estimated P861,000 in property damage, also left two residents injured during the chaotic evacuation efforts.
Fire Origin and Initial Response
The fire reportedly originated from the home of Decina Pedrosa, occupied by Jordan Pedrosa. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) received the alarm at 11:35 a.m., with the first fire truck arriving at Barangay Tisa by 11:41 a.m., prompting an immediate escalation to first alarm status. By 12:30 p.m., the Cebu City Fire Station declared the fire under control, and it was fully extinguished minutes later.
Injuries and Eyewitness Account
During the fire, two individuals sustained injuries: a 66-year-old woman suffered a leg laceration from broken glass, and a man burned his back and arm while attempting to salvage belongings. Mariel, a resident of the Pedrosa family home, described the terrifying moments, noting that while they were cooking lunch downstairs, her 3-year-old child suddenly descended, followed by thick black smoke billowing from the upper floor.
They quickly evacuated but were overwhelmed by confusion. Due to the light materials used in their home construction, the fire rapidly spread to adjacent houses, exacerbating the destruction.
Firefighting Challenges and Historical Context
More than 20 fire trucks responded to the scene, but firefighters faced significant hurdles, including narrow access roads and the area's difficult terrain. Crews had to connect multiple hoses to reach the burning homes effectively. Barangay Captain Bernardo Lapiña Jr. revealed that this is the second fire incident in the location, with the first occurring in 2012.
Many residents had not fully recovered from the previous tragedy, compounding the current disaster's impact on the community.
Relief Efforts and Temporary Shelter
Currently, the affected families are being temporarily housed at the Tisa Elementary School. The Cebu City Government has prepared food supplies to support them for three days, providing immediate relief as they begin the recovery process. This coordinated response aims to address the urgent needs of those displaced by the fire.
