A fire destroyed about 100 homes in a residential area in Barangay 39, Bacolod City on Friday morning, leaving hundreds of residents affected.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod, the fire started at around 11:06 a.m. on Feb. 27. Thick smoke quickly spread across the area as flames engulfed several houses.
BFP Bacolod Deputy Fire Marshal Jemarie Tapiru said the fire escalated to the fourth alarm as firefighters worked to control the blaze.
Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection responded to the incident and conducted suppression operations to contain the fire.
Authorities said the fire was declared under control and eventually extinguished at around 12:37 p.m.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 100 houses were destroyed in the fire. Many of the homes were located close to each other, which allowed the flames to spread rapidly through the residential community.
As of 2 p.m., authorities recorded a total of 765 residents affected by the incident.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Investigators are continuing their assessment to identify how the blaze started.
Local government officials quickly responded to the situation and began providing initial assistance to the families who lost their homes.
Emergency responders and local authorities also assisted residents who were displaced by the fire.
The Bureau of Fire Protection continues to assess the damage and gather additional information about the incident.
Authorities have advised residents in nearby areas to remain cautious as investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing.
