A devastating fire displaced nearly 500 residents and destroyed 96 homes in Sitio Pokang, Barangay Looc, and Sitio Orchids, Barangay Opao, on Friday, January 24.
The blaze, which escalated to a fourth alarm, started around 5 PM and was finally extinguished by 7:33 PM. This occurred just hours after another major fire broke out in nearby Lapu-Lapu City, adding to the day’s chaos.
According to FO1 Niel Ian Amancio, fire investigator of the Mandaue City Fire Office, the damages are estimated at over ₱3 million. A total of 49 homes were affected in Barangay Opao, while 47 were impacted in Barangay Looc.
No fatalities were reported, but a 61-year-old woman suffered burns and fainted during the incident. The fire displaced 107 families, or 424 individuals, prompting the Mandaue City government to provide immediate relief assistance.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which has left communities reeling from the destruction.
This marks a troubling trend as back-to-back fires disrupt lives and livelihoods in Cebu.
