Twin Fires Ravage Cebu City Community, Leaving 52 Homes in Ruins
In a devastating incident on Saturday, March 7, 2026, firefighters in Cebu City confronted two separate fires that erupted within the same area of Sitio Univille, Barangay Kasambagan. The blazes, which began at 2:03 p.m., resulted in the destruction of an estimated 52 houses, causing significant upheaval for residents and emergency responders alike.
Rapid Spread and Escalated Response
According to SFO3 Wendell Villanueva, information officer of the Cebu City Fire Station, the initial fire originated in a house owned by Romeo Sayson and occupied by Rodney Sayson. Due to the intensity of the flames, the fire spread quickly to adjacent homes, prompting the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to raise the alarm to the fourth level at 2:58 p.m. This escalation underscored the severity of the situation as burning debris, carried by the wind, ignited a second fire in a nearby area within the same sitio.
Firefighting Efforts and Damage Assessment
Firefighters deployed twelve fire trucks, strategically dividing them between the two fires to contain the blaze effectively. Their efforts led to the fire being declared under control at 3:23 p.m., with full extinguishment achieved by 4:31 p.m. The Cebu City Fire Station estimated the total damage at approximately P3.9 million, highlighting the extensive financial impact on the affected community.
Injuries and Ongoing Investigation
Tragically, the BFP in Cebu City reported that two individuals sustained burn injuries during the incident. As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Villanueva stated to Superbalita Cebu that fire investigators are still working to determine the exact origin, noting that the second fire may have been sparked by embers or burning materials. This ongoing probe aims to provide clarity and prevent future occurrences in the densely populated area.
The twin fires in Sitio Univille serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by urban communities and the critical role of rapid emergency response in mitigating disaster impacts.
