Fire razes mixed-use building in Baguio; 9 hurt

BAGUIO CITY — Nine people suffered smoke inhalation when a fire damaged a mixed-use building in Holy Ghost Extension here on Thursday evening, Oct. 15.

Three of the nine victims were taken to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment and were later discharged.

The other six received medical attention at the scene, according to City Social Welfare and Development Office head Liza Bulayungan.

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READ: Baguio fire displaces 6 families

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An initial investigation showed that the fire was reported at 6:17 p.m. at No. 17 Purok 2, Holy Ghost Extension. Firefighters from the Baguio City Fire Station and the Irisan and Aurora Hill fire substations arrived eight minutes later.

The fire was placed under control at 7:10 p.m. and declared out at 7:16 p.m., the Baguio City Fire Station said.

Authorities said the blaze affected an estimated 40-square-meter area of the building, which housed a commercial establishment, a residence and four apartment units. The first floor, occupied by a family of four, was partially damaged, while 10 boarders lived on the second floor.

Neighbors initially tried to put out the flames using buckets of water, but the fire intensified and became uncontrollable. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

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After the incident, the affected family temporarily took shelter at a neighbor’s house, while the boarders stayed with friends and relatives.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office conducted a post-fire assessment and provided hygiene kits and food assistance. It also committed to extending emergency shelter assistance to the house owner.