TWO buildings inside a sawmill compound in Barangay Agay Ayan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, were engulfed in flames on Wednesday morning. The sawmill, which produces molding from falcata lumber, suffered extensive damage.
The fire, which escalated to the 4th Alarm level, burned for eight hours before being declared under control at 12:05 pm and extinguished by 2 pm, according to F/Supt Christopher Regencia, Provincial Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Misamis Oriental. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
City Fire Marshall S/Insp. Randy Obsioma described the blaze as one of the largest in Misamis Oriental, destroying one building and partially damaging another over 8,000 square meters. Initial estimates put the structural damage at approximately P15 million.
The value of the destroyed machinery, finished products, and lumber is yet to be determined but is expected to amount to millions of pesos. The burnt materials, intended for cabinet making and wall design, were ready for export, according to witnesses.
Obsioma noted that the fire’s rapid growth prompted the declaration of Task Force Alpha, transferring command to the provincial level. Regencia later arrived at the scene to assume the role of ground commander.
The fire was brought under control with assistance from fire stations in Claveria, Villanueva, Sugbongcogon, Binuangan, Balingoan, Talisayan, Medina, Magsaysay, and Gingoog Fire Volunteers, led by Assistant City Engineer Lemuel Remegoso of the Community Fire Auxiliary Group, all under the command of Task Force Alpha’s ground commander, Supt Regencia.
