Fire razes P1.2 M worth of properties in Baguio

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY — At least P1.2 million worth of properties went up in smoke when a two-hour fire razed three structures and a motor vehicle at a slaughterhouse compound here 6 p.m. on Dec. 27.

The fire, which apparently originated from lit charcoal used in grilling, razed three structures made of concrete and wooden materials and a motor vehicle parked in the garage of one of the affected houses.

Damage to the three structures, including the motor vehicle which was totally burned, was pegged at P1.2 million.

The slaughterhouse compound, where the city abattoir is located, is thickly populated, officials said.

The affected structures include the houses of a certain Esther Pula, former punong barangay Leon Takata, and Arnulfo Ramos which are adjacent with each other.

Initial arson investigation showed one of the occupants of one of the structures might have left a lit charcoal at the back of the three structures after grilling some food for dinner.

Officials of the Baguio fire department disclosed that the fire reached second alarm.