By ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS
Correspondent
BUTUAN City – Some 2,292 people became homeless after a fire broke out, spread and destroyed at least 150 houses in two barangays here Monday afternoon.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire lasted about four hours in two barangays where many of the houses were built with highly combustible materials.
Butuan City fire marshal Chief Insp. Peter Montaus said the fire spread quickly and was difficult to contain because it was windy at that time.
Fire fighters rushed to the community in Purok 7 in Barangay Ong Yiu, where the fire allegedly started, at around 3:15 pm. The fire was declared under control at around 6:25 pm.
Fire fighters used at least 18 firetrucks from different fire stations and volunteer groups here and from neighboring areas.
Data from the City Social Welfare Development (CSWD) showed that 2,292 people from 450 families were adversely affected in barangays Ong-yiu and San Ignacio.
City hall information officer May Diez said the local government has sent relief goods like rice, canned goods, kitchen utensils, blankets, mosquito nets and mats to the affected families.
Many of them are being housed at the covered court at the Ong Yiu Elementary School and another in San Ignacio.
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