5 hurt, 200 houses affected in Cebu City fire

Five persons were hurt in a fire that hit 273 houses in Barangay Ermita in Cebu City, according to a report on Unang Balita.

The fire spread quickly that officials had to declare a general alarm. But firefighters had a difficult time trying to put the fire under control because they had to navigate through narrow streets. The firefighters also ran out of water.

With this, residents connected together several pieces of water hose and used this to help firefighters put out the blaze.

The damage to property was estimated to reach about P3 million.

Over 600 families or 2,578 individuals were affected. They are temporarily taking refuge in evacuation areas.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire but residents said a child was seen playing with matches. — with Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News