BACOLOD CITY – Twenty families or 50 individuals lost their homes in a fire in coastal Purok Tahong, Barangay 2 here on Friday morning, Dec. 19.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod reported that the fire began at 2:12 a.m. and originated from a rental property.

The fire that destroyed 26 houses immediately spread to other houses since most houses were made of light materials.

No injuries were reported. Fire out was declared at 2:47 a.m.

Damage to property was estimated at P125,000. 

Fire Officer 2 Rolin Paulan, arson investigator of BFP-Bacolod, said that a lighted candle may have caused the fire as the area has no electricity.

Investigators are also looking at faulty electrical wiring.

Mayor Greg Gasataya has visited fire victims and assured assistance for them.

Victims received food packs and hygiene kits with additional supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after assessment.

Displaced families have been moved to a designated evacuation center at the barangay hall.

Gasataya said victims are allowed to go back to the area if they wish to still live there, but cautioned about the danger living beside the creek.

The mayor said he will coordinate with the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) to check available slots in the relocation site for those who want to transfer. 

“These are the very same people who were badly affected by the recent typhoons,” Gasataya said. "Our priority is to make sure that no one is left behind after such a traumatic event," he added.