Newsman among Baguio fire victims

BAGUIO CITY -- DWIZ Baguio correspondent Romeo Gonzales, 54, was among the scores of victims of a fast spreading blaze at the DPS compound in Marcoville barangay here last week that razed abodes of 11 families.

An unattended rice being cooked at the house of 79-year-old Lomencia Cardena reportedly caused the fire that spread so fast across the densed residential houses section of the former government land here.

According to the Baguio Fire Department, at least six houses were razed, sending 80 residents fleeing, mostly students and employees renting them.

The blaze, which lasted for at least an hour claimed at least P1.5 million in personal properties, including those of broadcaster Gonzales.

All blaze victims were brought to the Marcoville Barangay Hall and Day Care Center including Gonzales who is now being helped by the Philippine Information Agency in asking for assistance from fellow journalists.

One of the houses was reportedly a former bunkhouse of the defunct Philippine National Railways in Baguio City.