DPWH-Cordillera fire occurred in financial records room, LGU says

The fire that broke out in the Department of Public Works and Highways–Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH-CAR) office on Wednesday happened in the financial records room, the Baguio City government said Thursday.

Citing a report from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the Baguio City Public Information Office said the fire occurred at the Financial Management Records Room with an area of one square meter.

Baguio City Fire Marshal Mark Anthony Dangatan said the fire was reported at 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, controlled at 5:36 p.m., and extinguished at 5:43 p.m. 

No one was injured in the fire.

Based on the account of the first responder who is a utility worker of the building, Dangatan said smoke was seen coming from the Financial Management Records Room.

"He immediately alerted the security personnel and drivers, and together they attempted to control the fire using four 10-lb fire extinguishers. Their efforts continued until the Baguio City Fire Station personnel arrived at the scene and took over the fire suppression operations," Dangatan said.

The fire occurred amid investigations into alleged corruption in DPWH projects. —VAL, GMA Integrated News