No one hurt in Davao City mall fire

No one was reported hurt in the fire that broke out at a mall in Davao City on Friday evening.

Authorities continued their investigation on Saturday to determine the cause and extent of damage.

According to an employee of Gaisano Grand Cybergate, sparks were seen on the ceiling near the linen department. 

“Nasa loob kami, nag-inform na kami sa maintenance… matagal na aksyonan kasi nag-closer pa ang iba… may sunog na siya konti, nag-spark na siya pero matagal nabalikan,” a mall employee said.

The Davao City Fire District said thick smoke made it difficult for firefighters to put out the fire.

“Nahirapan sila na ipenetrate kasi hindi na nila nakikita dahil puro lang usok ang lumalabas then na-confirm nila na sa third floor nag-start ang sunog sa department store. Hindi natin siya basta basta maakyat kasi hindi natin yung ano stability ng floor kasi pwede siya anytime na bumagsak,” Davao City Fire District Chief, Fire Senior Inspector Frances Sendrijas, said.

Personnel from the Davao City Central 911 used a fire crane to reach the building’s third level.

Rain poured during the operation. Firefighters entered the mall wearing specialized equipment while police officers were controlling the crowd at the scene.

The Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) also deployed more personnel as traffic in the area became heavier.

The fire was extinguished fully around 7 p.m. — GMA Regional TV