A HUGE fire razed a neighborhood on Saturday evening in Mandaue City, Cebu, Chief Insp. Nelson Ababon, Mandaue City Fire Department fire marshal said. Ababon said at least 150 houses were burned in Sitio Utnai, Barangay Tingub where firefighters struggled to control the blaze until it was put out hours later. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The fire started at past 7 p.m. and rapidly spread to the residential areas. The fire reached the second alarm before it was declared under control by the Mandaue City Fire Department around 9:12 p.m. and firefighters totally extinguished flames from the area at 10:32 p.m. Investigation revealed that the fire started at the house owned by Felix Amodia. The Amodia family has not issued a statement as of press time. The City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) of Mandaue City prepared starter kits to be distributed to the displaced families. According to the CSWS, the starter kits include cooking pots, plates, drinking glasses, pail and basin, rice, and canned goods. Food was also prepared for displaced families who are temporarily sheltered at Tingub Elementary School and Pagsabungan Elementary School. Arson investigators are still conducting an investigation on the cause of the fire. The extent of damage is estimated at P1.050 million.
