OLONGAPO CITY – Three families lost their house to a fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday, February. 29, in Barangay Santa Rita.

The fire razed the one-story house to ashes. It was located at the far end of a narrow alley beside the Aglipayan Church, preventing entry of fire trucks to the site.

But 58-year-old grandmother Rhodora Abubot was still thankful she was able to save all seven children who were sleeping in the house that night. “Mabuti na lang nailabas ko silang lahat, kung hindi…” she told the Freeport Insider.

Red Cross personnel said Rodora and one child suffered minor burns only, and were treated on site.

Red Cross personnel and Brgy. Kagawad John Cruz (2nd from left) were on hand to lend assistance to fire victims who suffered minor injuries.

At least four fire trucks and a couple of ambulances rushed to respond to the fire, as well as Olongapo  City Vice Mayor Jong Cortez and Santa Rita Barangay Kagawad John Cruz. Firemen had to lay fire hoses from the road to the narrow alley to fight the fire.

A fireman emerges from the narrow alley that leads to the fire scene.

Neighbors and the Aglipayan church offered their places for the families to stay. 

The grandmother said the fire was caused by a mosquito coil that set a curtain on fire. But some of the children told the Freeport Insider it was a candle that started the blaze.

Olongapo City Fire Marshal Fire Supt. Roderick Marquez said the BFP received “delayed” report on the fire. He reminded the public to promptly report fire  emergencies to the Fire Department. FREEPORT INSIDER