A fire broke out on the second floor of a two-story commercial building located at Rizal-Gundaya Streets in Barangay 2, Gingoog City, yesterday morning, which was also election day.

City Fire Marshall Senior Insp. Randy N. Obsioma stated that the fire partially burnt the 136-square-meter floor area of the building's second floor, resulting in an estimated damage of P1.6 million.

He added that there are three possible causes of the fire, including unattended cooking, electrical wires, and unused paint stock and thinner.

RAZE. The fire spread to the 2nd floor of a two-story building while firefighters tried to quell the fire yesterday in Rizal-Gundaya Streets, Gingoog City. Photo courtesy of Gingoog Fire Station

During the initial investigation, the fire allegedly started in the kitchen area facing Gundaya Street on the second floor of the building. Fire Marshal Obsioma mentioned that the fire began at around 10:30 in the morning.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 11:00 am, according to him.

The building is owned by former City Councilor Rey Mortiz, who has not yet disclosed whether he plans to file a case against the renter.