AN early morning green-waste fire at the Mount Carmel Cathedral field on Saturday is under arson investigation after responders found a butane canister with an attached torch still burning beside a pile of debris.
Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services public information officer Robert Mojica said the fire was reported at 1:02 a.m. Saturday. Rescue 1 arrived at 1:56 a.m. and confirmed the blaze involved green waste — mostly debris left behind by Typhoon Sinlaku.
Responders searched for a working hydrant and eventually located one about 400 to 500 feet from the scene. Engine 2 was also dispatched. The fire burned for several hours before it was brought under control and fully contained at 4:38 a.m.
Mojica said the preliminary cause points to intentional ignition. “Fire responders found a butane canister with a torch attached to it still burning next to the pile of debris and green waste,” he said.
DFEMS has notified its arson and fire prevention team. “Investigators are preparing their preliminary reports. We sent them photos of what we found, and they’re going to start the investigation. We should have an answer within the next couple of working days,” Mojica said.
