- BFP to verify inspection records as fire guts shopping mall
By Rhoda Grace B Saron
THE DAVAO City Fire District reported approximately P48 million in property damage after a blaze gutted approximately 600 square meters of floor space at Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall in Buhangin on Friday afternoon, Jan. 2.
According to Fire Senior Inspector Frances Mae Sendrijas, spokesperson for the Davao City Fire District, the incident began around 3:16 p.m. and reached the third alarm before being declared under control at 6:15 p.m.
Firefighters officially declared “fire out” at 7:05 pm.
While the investigation into the cause is ongoing, Sendrijas confirmed that the damage was concentrated on the ground and second floors—affecting one tenant each—while nearly half of the third floor was destroyed.
No casualties or injuries were reported.
When asked about the mall’s last fire safety inspection, Sendrijas stated that the information is still being verified.
“As of this moment, I cannot give exact details as we need to verify this with our Fire Safety Enforcement Branch, which handles the documents for business establishments in Davao City,” Sendrijas said. “Hopefully, by next week, we will have that information.”
She added that the Fire Safety Enforcement Branch is currently coordinating with investigators to review the building’s compliance documents as part of the final investigation report.
Mall statement
“Our emergency response team, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Davao City Central 911 emergency response center, fire brigade volunteers, and other relevant authorities immediately responded and successfully contained the situation.
“We are grateful for their swift and professional action.
“All employees, customers, and occupants were safely evacuated following established safety protocols.
“We are awaiting the final investigation report from the authorities as to the initial cause of the fire.”
The mall management assured that the safety and well-being of its employees, partners, and customers remain its top priority.
“We are working to be ready to serve our valued customers again as soon as possible,” the statement said.
