By Nef Luczon

BLAZE CONTAINED. Rescuers from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department extinguish a fire engulfing houses in Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro City on Monday (June 2, 2025). Another fire caused an accumulated PHP4 million in damage. (Photo courtesy of CDRRMD)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two fire incidents here on Monday caused over PHP4 million in damage.

One blaze destroyed four houses in Barangay Bugo, while the other erupted in Barangay 24, about 17 kilometers east of the city, causing more damage.

Fire Senior Inspector Kyle Lauzon, operations chief of the City Fire District, reported that the fire in Barangay 24 started past 10 a.m. and was placed under control approximately 30 minutes later.

“We have roughly 76 houses, more or less, damaged by the fire. The affected houses were constructed with a mix of concrete and light materials,” Lauzon said in an interview.

He also confirmed two reported injuries — one sustained a lacerated eyebrow and the other first and second-degree burns.

At least 24 fire trucks responded to both incidents, while the City Social Welfare and Development Office deployed relief packs and established temporary shelters for the victims. (PNA)