Major Fire Incident in Bacolod City Destroys Multiple Homes
A significant fire broke out in Purok Tambipalad, Barangay 10, Bacolod City on the afternoon of Saturday, January 24, 2026, resulting in the destruction of at least 34 houses. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in this devastating incident, which has left a community grappling with loss and displacement.
Fire Origin and Rapid Spread
According to records from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod, the fire originated at the residence of Aaron Tupas at approximately 2:19 p.m. The blaze quickly engulfed neighboring structures, fueled by the presence of houses constructed from both light and concrete materials. This rapid spread posed a severe challenge to firefighting efforts, as the narrow passageways in the area hindered access for emergency responders.
Firefighting Challenges and Response
Multiple BFP fire trucks, including volunteer units, were dispatched to the scene. However, firefighters encountered significant obstacles due to the constricted pathways, forcing them to manually pull and connect water hoses to reach the affected properties. Despite these difficulties, the fire was successfully extinguished by 3:28 p.m., but not before causing extensive damage.
Damage Assessment and Impact on Families
As of 7 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the damage assessment revealed that 28 houses were completely destroyed, while six others sustained partial damage. The total property loss is estimated at approximately P237,5000. The BFP raised a third alarm status, indicating the severity of the situation, which impacted at least 55 families comprising 199 individuals. Among these affected families, 18 are renters and three are sharers, highlighting the diverse housing situations in the community.
Investigation and Government Support
Arson investigators are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. In the meantime, the City Government of Bacolod, with assistance from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), has stepped in to provide immediate relief. Food packs and other essential items have been distributed to the affected individuals, who are temporarily staying at the barangay evacuation center.
Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, the DSSD head, stated that the validation of the total number of affected families is still ongoing. She emphasized, "The City Government responded for the immediate needs of the affected families which include food and non-food items." Mayor Greg Gasataya also visited the area to ensure that ample support is provided to those impacted by the fire.
This incident underscores the importance of fire safety measures and community preparedness in densely populated urban areas like Bacolod City.
