A fire destroyed at least 15 houses in Barangay Cogon Pardo, Cebu City.

The fire broke out at 8:42 a.m. in Sitio Apple on Friday, December 6, 2024, or 20 days to Christmas Day.

Twelve houses were razed to the ground while three others were burned partially.

A cellphone charger exploded allegedly which started the fire, as attested to by the affected residents.

One of the victims is Julie Labaya, a “barangay tanod” (village watchman).

Labaya said they heard an explosion followed by the quick spread of fire.

Labaya said that the team responded with the use of a fire extinguisher, but failed to contain the flames.

The next thing Labaya knew was that their own house was already on fire.

Firefighters controlled the fire by 9:20 a.m.

Damages were estimated to be worth P750,000, according to city fire investigators.

Barangay Cogon Pardo officials said that they have identified immediately a temporary shelter for the affected residents, while the Local Government Unit of Cebu City takes care of the meals and financial assistance for the fire victims.