40 houses affected in Davao City fire

A fire that broke out in a Davao City barangay on Wednesday has razed around 40 homes.

According to Rgil Relator’s report on GMA Regional TV “One Mindanao”, the fire hit a residential area in Saint John, Barangay 76-A.

The houses were in an inner part of the block, making it difficult for firefighters to access quickly.

Residents tried to save whatever they could, from pets to belongings. Others also use buckets of water to help extinguish the fire.

“Ang daan talaga ang pinaka-challenge natin kaya naging mahirap ang pagresponde dahil mula sa nasusunog na mga bahay, nasa 300 to 500 meters pa ang layo ng ating firetruck,” BFP-Davao chief investigation section Senior Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado said. “Naglay-out na lang tayo ng hose papunta sa mga nasunugan.”

Arson investigators said at least 169 families were affected and about P1 million worth of property was lost due to the fire.

Residents are currently staying at a basketball court and are asking for aid from the public. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News