Houses made mostly of light materials were easily destroyed by the fire. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
Relatives are looking for a five-year-old boy who is believed to have been trapped inside their burning house in sitio Pungsod in Barangay Lawaan III in Talisay City before noontime on Monday.
Janice Baya told reporters that Antonette, the boy’s mother, left her son while she and other members of their family scampered to get out of their house.
“She was so rattled that she forgot about her son,” Baya told reporters in Cebuano.
The fire reported at 11 a..m. reportedly started from the home of a certain Judilla.
It later spread to nearby homes that were mostly made of light materials.
Janice Baya told reporters they are still looking for his 5-year-old nephew. (CDN PHOTO/CARMEL LOISE MATUS)
The narrow road leading to the fire site and the close proximity of the houses to each other which number more than 100 made it difficult for firefighters of Talisay City and Cebu City to put out the fire immediately.
Village chief Delia Ybañez said the affected families will be temporarily accommodated at their barangay hall and covered court.
But she could not yet say if they will still be allowed to rebuild their burnt houses since they occupy a privately owned lot.
Ybañez said residents in the area are negotiating with the lot owner to allow them to stay in the area.