The Davao City Fire District (DCFD) is still investigating the cause of the fire that engulfed two warehouses owned by Wanshida Inc. at Purok 2-B, Sitio Mudiang, Barangay Ilang here on Tuesday, January 14.
This was confirmed by DCFD’s Senior Inspector Frances Marie Sendrijas in a text message sent to MindaNews Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out at approximately 2:57 p.m. on Tuesday and quickly escalated to second alarm.
Two trapped workers were killed by the fire. They were identified as Jeian Ayala Subla, 18, of Loreto, Agusan Del Sur, and Reyeel Dion Mansing, 20, of Sitio Kaimito, Barangay Miranda, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal.
The fire gutted the two single-story warehouses spanning around 700 square meters, resulting in an estimated ₱8.4 million in damages.
Firefighters declared the fire under control at 4:39 p.m.
Sendrijas, however, confirmed that the fire re-kindled twice – at around 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday and at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, but was immediately put out by firefighters.
She said no nearby houses were damaged nor further injuries were recorded.
MindaNews tried to go inside the warehouse Wednesday morning but the supposed caretaker shut the door and said “bawal media, sir (Media are not allowed, sir). ”
“Bawal outsiders diri” (no outsiders allowed inside) was also handwritten on its gate. An apparent security personnel, who requested anonymity, said “that is their policy. ”
French Magataw, a resident near the area, told MindaNews that he heard a loud “bomb-like explosion” before the fire started to engulf the facility.
If not for the warehouses’ firewalls near them, he said they might be affected by the fire as well.
“Nanagan na mi dayon kay pirti nang inita, kay abi namo’g madamay mi (We immediately left because it was getting hot, and because we thought we’d be affected),” Magataw said.
Captain Hazel Caballero Tuazon, Davao City Police Office spokesperson, said in a press conference they are waiting for the Bureau of Fire Protection’s investigation into the cause of the fire “to determine if there might be foul play or if it is just accidental. ” (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)
