Twin fires in Lapu-Lapu City displace over 50 families

TWO fires struck Lapu-Lapu City on Friday morning, May 30, 2025, leaving over 50 families homeless.

The blazes occurred minutes apart in Barangays Basak and Canjulao which prompted a large-scale emergency response.

The first fire started at 9:50 a.m. in Sitio Iba, Barangay Basak where flames spread quickly through the densely packed residential area.

Lapu-Lapu City Fire District Engine 09, Shift B, Engines 3 and 7, special teams, and DRRMO personnel responded.

The fire destroyed 19 houses and partially damaged 3 others, affecting 25 families, or about 170 individuals.

Most were renters and workers from the nearby Cebu Light Industrial Park. Evacuees are currently at Canjulao Elementary School.

The fire reached the 4th alarm and was controlled by 10:59 a.m. It was out by 11:41 a.m. No one was hurt.

Minutes later, at 10:06 a.m., another fire broke out in Sitio Lubi, 2nd Street, Barangay Canjulao.

Babag Fire Station and other units were sent immediately. The fire destroyed 28 houses and partially damaged three more. Twenty-seven families were displaced or about 150 people, including four renter households.

The fire was raised to the 4th alarm by 10:47 a.m. and declared out by 11:19 a.m.

Manuel Ymbong, 40, suffered minor injuries in the Canjulao fire.

Evacuees from Barangay Canjulao are sheltered at the Barangay Basak Gymnasium as local authorities are coordinating relief efforts.

Fire investigators FO3 Jeffrey Gerodiaz, FO1 Marwin Olano, and FO1 Vladimer Olano are investigating both fires. Emergency services and city officials are assessing the damage and supporting the displaced families. (CAV)