A massive fire destroyed no fewer than 200 houses in Barangay 27, Bacolod City, in the early hours of Friday, September 12, displacing hundreds of residents.
The blaze started shortly after midnight and was declared under control by 3:11 a.m., according to local authorities. Initial reports from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) estimated that around 800 people were affected.
Amid the chaos, a dog named “Sha” emerged as a hero. According to a resident named Excel, he was awakened by Sha’s barking. When he checked, he saw his house already burning. He immediately alerted his neighbors, allowing them to evacuate before the flames spread further.
Families who lost their homes are temporarily sheltered at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School. The Bacolod City government, together with national agencies, has started extending assistance to the victims, including food, shelter, and other basic needs.
Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the fire. However, initial findings point to electrical ignition as a possible source. The fire resulted in an estimated P4.5 million in property damage.
Authorities continue to assess the full impact of the incident. The local government has assured affected families of ongoing support, while fire officials are reviewing safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The blaze, one of the most destructive in Bacolod City this year, underscores the vulnerability of densely populated communities to fire hazards. For many residents, survival was made possible not only by human action but also by the warning of a vigilant pet.
