A three-hour fire that broke out past midnight in Barangay 27, Bacolod City, has destroyed over 200 homes, displacing hundreds of families.
The blaze, which started shortly after midnight, engulfed houses in Purok Cheriza 1 and 2, as well as Purok Acacia 1.
According to Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, the fire was declared out at 3:11 a.m.
While there have been reports of some individuals being transported by ambulance and animals being harmed, there is no official confirmation on their status at this time.
Fire responders experienced difficulties in extinguishing the fire due to narrow pathways. Due to the intensity of the fire, fire trucks from neighboring cities, including Talisay, Silay, Bago and Murcia were also dispatched.
The fire spread quickly because most of the houses were made of light materials. The community is known for its woodwork along Lopez Jaena Street.
Mayor Greg Gasataya who personally visited the fire scene said that displaced families were temporarily housed at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School gym, which is serving as their evacuation center.
The city government is focused on providing immediate relief to the victims, including food and shelter.
Folding beds have been delivered to the evacuation center.
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) is currently working to verify the victims’ details to provide financial assistance.
The mayor is urging those who wish to help to bring their donations directly to the evacuation site.
