Over 100 families lose homes in Cebu fire on All Saints’ Day

CEBU CITY — More than 100 families lost their homes after a fire razed dozens of houses in Sitio Alaska, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on Sunday night, November 1, during the observance of All Saints’ Day.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Cebu City said the fire reached the third alarm, with 63 houses totally destroyed and 128 families affected.

“The houses are made out of light materials,” said SFO3 Wendell Villanueva, spokesperson of BFP Cebu City.

Firefighters took more than an hour to bring the blaze under control. No injuries were reported.

Based on barangay records, the fire affected 513 individuals, while the estimated damage to property reached P1.5 million.

Authorities are also investigating claims that a lit candle placed outside a residence as a form of halad, or offering, may have triggered the fire.

“The candle might have caught fire to foam or clothes,” said resident Leah Singson.

Lighting candles outside homes is a common practice among some Cebu residents during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The affected families are currently staying at the barangay evacuation center, where the local government is providing assistance.

The BFP is investigating the cause of the fire.