ORMOC CITY — A fire swept through a residential community in Barangay Alta Vista on Tuesday morning, destroying and damaging 16 houses and leaving a 72-year-old woman injured, authorities said.
The Ormoc City Fire Station said the blaze erupted at around 9:15 a.m. in Purok 8 and was reported six minutes later.
Firefighters from Engine Companies 16, 14, and 6, assisted by Engine Company 12 serving as an ambulance unit, were immediately dispatched to the area. The first responders arrived at 9:26 a.m.
The fire was declared under control at 9:47 a.m. and completely extinguished by 10:12 a.m.
Authorities said the blaze affected 16 residential houses, including the home of Nenita Alayon and those of several other residents. Property damage was initially estimated at P1.5 million.
The lone reported casualty was Lolita Dalmacio, 72, who sustained injuries during the incident. No deaths were reported.
The fire affected an estimated 280 square meters of residential area. Firefighters raised the incident to first alarm and utilized three Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire trucks, one BFP ambulance, and a water tanker from the Ormoc City Waterworks and Sewerage System (ORWASA) to contain the blaze.
The firefighting operation was supervised by Ground Commander SFO2 Arturo Belacho.
Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.
The Ormoc City Fire Station urged residents to remain vigilant and observe fire safety measures to help prevent similar incidents.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
