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By NORA SORIÑO, MARYLEN LAURETE
and RIC PALAHANG, GSD-Iligan Bureau .

ILIGAN City — An afternoon fire destroyed 49 houses and other establishments, and left some 64 families homeless in Barangay Ubaldo Laya here Wednesday.

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City fire marshal Butch Baulete said the fire broke out at around 3 pm, and the siruation was placed under control at 4:19 pm.

F03 Richard Cartin, who leads a team of investigators, said the fire affected families living in Matinabangon, Silangan and Bougainvilla.

Cartin said the fire quickly spread because the the structures there were made of highly combustible materials.

He also said fire fighters found it difficult to position themselves strategically because narrow passageways prevented firetrucks from the City Central Fire Station, Saray, Sta. Felomina, Tubod, Tibanga, Villaverde, Hoscim, Gaisano, Mindanao Sanitarium, Kauswagan in Lanao Norte, and even from Lugait, Misamis Oriental, from passing through.

Two residents were reported hurt. They were identified as 31-year-old Rey Vincent Badelles who suffered burns at the back, and 56-year-old Rosalie Naga whose left arm was burned.

Initial damages to structures were placed at P1.5 million.

Investigators said they were still trying to find out how and where the fire started.

Inocencio Saylon, barangay chairman, said the fire broke out and spread in the property owned by one Dodong Areola, a former barangay councilor.

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