CEBU CITY -- Some 61 houses were razed in a fire that broke out in a densely populated area in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City on Monday night, Oct. 31.

According to the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services Office (CSWDO), the fire displaced 50 to 70 families.

No casualty was reported during the incident.

The Talisay City Fire Station said the fire broke out before 9 p.m.

FO1 Mar Dee Auxtero said the fire spread quickly as most houses were made of light materials.

The fire was raised to a third alarm that prompted fire stations from neighboring cities of Cebu and Mandaue to respond.

Fire volunteers from Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, Chinese Fire Brigade, Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Barangay Bulacao Fire volunteers also helped put out the fire, Auxtero said.

Fire was declared out at 10:50 p.m., Auxtero said.

The cause of the fire was still being investigated, Auxtero said.

Talisay Mayor Samsam Gullas said fire victims are temporarily housed at the Tabunok Gym.

Relief goods such as meals, beds and hygiene kits were distributed to fire victims, said Gullas.

“We will be meeting all evacuees later this morning (Tuesday) so they will know what help to expect from the government,” said Gullas.

Gullas also appealed for help for the fire victims.

“A little help will go a long way,” Gullas said.