BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A devastating afternoon fire on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, destroyed 37 houses in Barangay 14, leaving over a hundred families homeless. The blaze, which broke out around 3:00 p.m. in Purok Ramon Magsaysay Dawis, has displaced 307 individuals, many of whom escaped with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
According to Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, head of the Bacolod Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), initial assessments show 27 houses were completely destroyed and 10 were partially damaged.
Bacolod Fire Marshal Jenny Mae Masip noted several critical factors that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and hindered the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) response:
- “Red Zone” Classification: The affected area is characterized by densely packed houses built in close proximity, a condition that allowed the flames to jump quickly between structures.
- Lack of Access Roads: Narrow alleys prevented firetrucks from reaching the heart of the blaze.
- Long-Distance Hose Connection: To combat the fire, firefighters had to connect multiple hoses over long distances to reach the burning homes.
- Community Effort: Desperate residents were seen climbing onto rooftops and organizing a bucket relay to assist the overstretched fire crews.
The fire is believed to have originated from the residence of a certain Regie Doronila, though investigators are still working to determine the exact cause.
- Estimated Damage: Initial estimates from the BFP place the property loss at ₱4.5 million.
- Casualties: No fatalities have been reported as of Wednesday morning, though a final count of affected persons and damage is ongoing.
The displaced families are currently seeking refuge at the Education Training Center School 3 (ETCS 3).
- City Assistance: The Bacolod local government has begun providing immediate relief, including food and hygiene kits.
- Public Appeal: With many victims losing all their belongings, there are active appeals for donations of clothing, blankets, and essential supplies for the 307 displaced individuals.
The fire is the latest in a series of blazes to hit the city this year, prompting renewed calls from fire officials for stricter compliance with fire safety standards in densely populated residential zones.