Two separate fire incidents struck Cotabato City on Friday, leaving over 150 families displaced and causing over ₱750,000 in damages.
The first fire occurred at around midnight in Purok Usman, Poblacion 7. Over 100 homes were quickly engulfed in flames due to the area’s densely packed houses, mostly made of light materials.
According to FO2 Anthony Henilo, spokesperson for the Cotabato City Fire Station, the fire spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds in the riverside community.
Firefighters faced difficulties accessing the affected area due to narrow roads, delaying their efforts to contain the blaze.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported an initial estimate of ₱750,000 in damages, with around 150 families impacted by the fire. The incident was declared “fire out” by 1:00 PM.
Later that day, at around 4:00 PM, another fire broke out on Pansacala Street, Rosary Heights 10. Initial investigations by the BFP revealed that an electrical issue caused the fire.
This second incident affected five homes, resulting in an estimated ₱54,000 in damages.
FO2 Henilo advised the public to remain vigilant in using electrical appliances and to ensure they are unplugged when not in use.
He also urged residents to prioritize reporting fire incidents to authorities instead of live-streaming on social media, emphasizing that early reporting could save lives and property.