CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire truck was destroyed while battling a four-alarm fire that gutted homes in Burgos, Barangay 7, leaving at least 24 families displaced and several properties reduced to ashes.
The fire broke out at around 5:24 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and was declared under control after nearly three hours, with the BFP declaring a fire out at 8:20 p.m.
Initial reports showed the blaze caused an estimated P1.25 million in property damage. Seven houses were completely destroyed, while three others sustained partial damage. A portion of the Barangay 7 Hall was also affected.
Adding to the losses, a fire truck from BFP Cagayan de Oro Station 1-A was damaged and eventually destroyed after it was caught in the intense flames while firefighters were conducting suppression operations.
Fire Senior Inspector Johnrey Donasco, chief of operations of the Cagayan de Oro City Fire District, confirmed in an interview with RMN DXCC that the responding fire engine was among the casualties of the incident.
The City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD) reported that the fire affected 24 families, or 121 individuals. Two people sustained injuries.
Displaced residents are temporarily staying at the city amphitheater, which has been converted into an evacuation center while authorities continue providing assistance.
The Bureau of Fire Protection has yet to determine the cause of the fire, with investigators still examining the scene.
