A firefighter was hurt while responding to a house fire that broke out early Tuesday morning in Lamitan City, Basilan province. The incident, which required a second alarm response, destroyed a residential property and posed significant risks due to hazardous materials stored on-site.
Firefighter Injured in the Line of Duty
Senior Fire Officer 4 Anthony Paculdo, the Lamitan City fire marshal, confirmed that Fire Officer 3 Elvin Saldariega sustained minor injuries while combating the flames. The fire erupted around 6 a.m. on December 16, 2025, in Matibay village. Fire crews from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) arrived promptly at the scene to confront the growing blaze.
Hazardous Conditions and Property Damage
The fire completely razed the home of local gasoline dealer Noel Mateo. Paculdo highlighted that the presence of stored gas and oxygen tanks within the property severely complicated firefighting efforts, creating a volatile environment for responders. Despite these dangers, firefighters successfully contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjacent houses.
Investigation and Fire Safety Reminder
Initial investigation points to defective electrical wiring as the probable cause of the fire. Authorities are now conducting a thorough assessment to determine the total value of the property damage. In light of the incident, Fire Marshal Paculdo issued a strong reminder to the public. He urged all residents to prioritize fire safety by regularly checking their electrical systems and ensuring flammable materials are stored properly and safely.
