A man was burned to death after a fire razed a store he was renting in Barangay Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City morning on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the man was alone inside the store and may have been sleeping when the fire broke out.

Authorities are still identifying the man, as of this writing.

BFP is reminding business owners to follow the fire safety requirements to prevent fire.

“Sa atong business owners ato jud i-comply ang fire safety requirements nga gina advise sa mga fire safety inspector ang main purpose is to ensure the safety sa occupant sa building,” Zamboanga City District Fire Marshall, FSupt. Christopher Morales, said.

Meanwhile, at least 20 houses were also razed to the ground when a fire hit a residential area in Barangay Camino Nuevo morning on Monday, August 19.

Investigators said the fire may have spread quickly as most of the houses were made of light materials.

The fire was raised to third alarm and was put out before midday.

“Basta nakita na lang namin kinakain na ng apoy ang nga bahay namin. Ang laki ng apoy. Nahirapan kaming isalba mga gamit namin dahil sa lakas,” a fire victim, Leticia, Ponollera, said.

Five people were reported hurt in the incident and they were brought to the hospital for treatment.

Damage from the fire was pegged at around P300,000.

“Kaya among approach ani four corners na, kay among giprotektahan kay tua ang barter trade ug daghan pa kaayong mga balay,” Morales said.