A fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at the Department of Public Works and Highways–Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH–CAR), specifically in their Financial Management Records Room, according to authorities. According to Baguio City Fire Marshal Mark Anthony Dangatan, the incident started here. The fire was reported at around 5:25 p.m., brought under control by 5:36 p.m., and was officially declared fire out at 5:43 p.m.
No injuries were reported. According to initial information from responders, a utility worker noticed smoke coming from the records room and immediately alert security personnel and drivers in the area. They tried to control the fire using four 10-lb fire extinguishers before personnel from the Baguio City Fire Station arrived.
In a statement, the DPWH Central Office said the area has been secured and that they are coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Local Government of Baguio City for an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire. It is not yet clear which documents were affected and if there are backup copies, but the agency assured that additional information will be provided when available.
According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, there were reports from witnesses that there was a spark from an electrical post near the DPWH-CAR before the fire broke out. He also said that the BFP Central Office is investigating the evidence to determine whether it was accidental or intentional. Access to the DPWH-CAR office is currently restricted to authorized personnel only.
Along with the investigation, field officers of the DPWH Central Office have also arrived in Baguio to conduct a parallel assessment and determine the exact documents affected. According to Dangatan, only an estimated one square meter was affected inside the building. Mayor Magalong advised to wait for the results of the investigation before making any speculation.
