Fire Leaves Thousands Homeless In Zamboanga

Above, the aftermath Friday 24 March 2006 of the fire that swept through a neighborhood near downtown Zamboanga City, and below, volunteers scramble late Thursday to save other houses. Witnesses say dozens of people fleeing the fire were hurt when a stampede broke out. (Zamboanga Journal)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 24 Mar) A fire swept through at least 6 hectares of residential area near downtown Zamboanga City late Thursday, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

Witnesses said dozens of people fleeing the 6-hour fire were hurt when a stampede broke out.

"I saw people crawling, many of them hurt from the ensuing stampede. I think about three dozens of them were really hurt because they are fleeing from the fire," said Juanito San Juan.

Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian, of Zamboanga City, said the fire started before 7 p.m. and was under control around 1 a.m. "The fire ate up an estimated six hectares of residential areas. It was the worst so far," he said.

Local Fire chief Janice Espero said there were no casualties, but the fire destroyed more than 1,500 houses, mostly made from wood. She said the fire started from a shanty house whose lighted candle fell from an alter.

"We have no reports of casualties and the fire destroyed more than 1,500 houses. An estimated P50 million worth of properties went up in smoke," she said.

Espero said strong winds helped fan the fire that spread from one city blocks to another, and narrow roads and alleys and low water pressure from hydrants agravated the problem.

"It was so difficult because we are fighting the fire that is spreading quickly because of the strong winds. Narrow roads and alleys and low water pressure also aggravated our problems," she said.

Local politicians and church leaders appealed on television and radio stations for food and water for the evacuees, now housed in temporary shelters in government buildings and schools.

"Please, we appeal for food and water. Let us help our brothers in God, they need your help badly," said Msgr. Crisanto dela Cruz.

One of those who quickly responded to the appeal was the Jolo-based Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun.

Pulalun is set to hand over relief goods he collected from wealthy Muslims and supporters.

"We were moved by the fate of those whose houses were destroyed by the fire and the appeal for food and relief goods. The Muslim people are one with our brothers in Zamboanga and we will help the fire victims," Pulalun told the Zamboanga Journal.

It was the worst conflagration that hit Zamboanga City in decades.

Mayor Celso Lobregat, head of the local disaster committee, declared the fire area under state of calamity, said Francisco Barredo, chief of the Zambonga City Social Welfare and Development.

He said four schools were being used as shelters by the refugees. "We have used these schools to shelter the refugees, at least for the moment, until things are back to normal again," he said.