A destructive fire swept through a community in Bacolod City on Friday morning, leaving dozens of families without homes. The blaze, which occurred in Purok Tahong, Barangay 2, completely destroyed 26 houses.
Fire Details and Response Challenges
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod reported that the fire started at the residence of Marcelino Pitogo on December 19, 2025. Flames rapidly consumed neighboring houses constructed from both light and concrete materials.
Firefighters from the BFP and volunteer units faced significant obstacles upon arrival. Narrow passageways prevented fire trucks from getting close to the burning structures. Crews were forced to manually pull and connect long water hoses to reach the heart of the fire.
After a challenging battle, responders managed to extinguish the flames at approximately 2:14 a.m.. Preliminary estimates place the total property damage at around P125,000.
Immediate Aftermath and Aid for Victims
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported from the incident. However, the fire's impact was severe, displacing 26 families comprising 35 individuals.
The affected families are now temporarily sheltered at the barangay evacuation center. To provide immediate relief, the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) has distributed food packs to the victims.
Mayor Greg Gasataya personally visited the site to assess the damage. He noted the compounded misfortune for many families, revealing that most of the affected households had previously been impacted by Typhoon Tino and had received government financial assistance.
Investigations and Long-Term Solutions
Arson investigators from the BFP are continuing their probe to determine the exact cause of the fire. Mayor Gasataya stated he is awaiting their final report.
In response to the crisis, the mayor has initiated discussions on long-term solutions. He plans to coordinate with Barangay 2 Captain Imelda Banguanga regarding the possible relocation of the displaced families.
Furthermore, Mayor Gasataya has directed the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) to identify available relocation sites. He disclosed that several affected families have already expressed interest in moving to a city-provided relocation area.
The BFP took the opportunity to reiterate crucial fire prevention reminders for all Bacolodnons:
- Always unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
- Regularly clear surroundings of combustible materials and rubbish.
- Never leave cooking embers unattended.
- Avoid overloading electrical connections and have wiring checked regularly by competent electricians.
- Promptly replace any corroded or dysfunctional wiring.
