A fierce early morning fire tore through a residential community in Bacolod City on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing multiple families from their homes.
The blaze erupted around 1:30 AM in Purok San Jose, Barangay 2, quickly consuming 22 houses constructed from light materials. Firefighters battled the flames for hours before bringing the situation under control at approximately 4:10 AM.
Rapid Response Prevents Greater Tragedy
Despite the extensive property damage, authorities confirmed no fatalities or injuries resulting from the incident. The quick response from Bacolod City Fire Station personnel helped prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent structures and ensured all residents evacuated safely.
Fire Officer 3 Stephen Jardeleza of the Bacolod City Fire Station reported that the fire reached the second alarm before being contained. The intense heat and close proximity of the wooden structures allowed the flames to spread rapidly through the neighborhood.
Community Left Reeling
The fire has left numerous families homeless and facing the complete loss of their personal belongings. The affected residents, many of whom were caught by surprise while sleeping, could only watch helplessly as their homes were reduced to ashes.
Local social welfare officials have begun assessing the immediate needs of the displaced families, who are currently seeking temporary shelter with relatives or in evacuation centers.
Investigation Underway
Fire investigators have launched a thorough probe to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Initial assessments suggest the fire may have originated from one of the central units in the densely packed community.
The incident highlights the ongoing fire risks in urban poor communities where homes built from flammable materials stand in close proximity to each other.
