CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Past 12 midnight on July 12, 2022, a fire incident broke out in one of the buildings inside the Ammunition Complex, 10th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU), Army Support Command (ASCOM), PA, Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, here, which caused a series of loud explosions.

The said building houses 155mm Howitzer rounds and various small arms ammunitions.

Immediately, 11 fire trucks from CDO City have responded but could not get near the burning structure due to dangerous explosions. There was no casualty from the military personnel, but three (3) civilians incurred minor wounds due to shrapnel and are now treated at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital.

All personnel near the incident site evacuated for safety. Likewise, civilians nearby were advised to evacuate to the 4ID Gymnasium, the designated evacuation center within the camp.

The cause of the incident is yet to be determined. The fire was declared out at 3:10 AM. However, the incident area needs a cooling period before EOD personnel could move in to clear the area. When the residual fire would have been completely contained, Army investigating team including City fire authorities will come in to conduct thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

In the meantime, the Command administers psycho-social support and stress debriefing to affected individuals in coordination with the officials of Barangay Patag and CDO City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) at the Evacuation Centers. (4ID/PIA-10)