Business owner Philip Tan (right) watches fire fighters put off the fire that struck Wellmade Machine Shop in barangay San Roque, Cebu City. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
A TWO-STORY building was damaged in the third fire to hit Cebu City this month which is being observed as Fire Prevention Month.
The building on Lapu-Lapu Street in barangay San Roque housed the Wellmade Machine Shop Diesel Calibration owned by Philip Tan, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The fire broke out at 3:20 p.m. and was contained in 15 minutes, said arson investigator Lowel Opolentisima.
Damage was pegged at P50,000.
The fire started at the second floor of the building which served as the quarters of the shop’s employees.
Ryan Dagoplo, supervising engineer of the shop, said he first noticed thick smoke from the window of the second floor.
Opolentisima said the first floor was spared of fire damage.
Tan rushed to the fire scene. He said he rented out the 40-year-old building owned by his cousin.
Tan said he was relieved that no employee was hurt.
“Nalipay gihapon ta kay ang first concern nako ang safety sa trabahante nato (We’re still fortunate that all workers were safe),” Tan said.
He said the building’s second floor was mostly made up of wood.
Yesterday’s fire was the third to hit Cebu City.
Last Saturday, a Mitsubushi Adventure caught fire while traveling along South Road Properties. Hours later, fire also razed a house in barangay Guadalupe.