By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – A total of 106 families were left homeless after a fire broke out in a densely populated area at Endrina corner V. Gustilo Street, Barangay 5, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Friday night, Sept. 6.
Fire Officer 3 Joseph Earl Solivio, chief arson investigator of the San Carlos City Fire Station, said the blaze damaged at least 80 houses, affecting about 3,000 square meters of a residential area.
According to Solivio, the fire started in a two-story house around 8:44 p.m. and quickly spread to neighboring homes, which were mostly made of light materials.
Firefighters had difficulty accessing the scene, and the fire status was raised to a third alarm due to the extensive area affected, Solivio added.
The blaze, the city’s biggest this year, was declared under control at 10:27 p.m.
No injuries were reported, but the damage was estimated at ₱750,000.
One of the challenges during the response was the limited water supply.
Fire trucks from neighboring stations and volunteer groups, including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) teams from Vallehermoso, Calatrava, and Toboso, provided assistance.
Preliminary reports suggested that the fire was caused by a cigarette, but the BFP has not confirmed this pending further investigation.
Solivio said they are still gathering information from the ground.
As of the weekend, reports from the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) office indicated that approximately 318 individuals were affected. Registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is ongoing at the Barangay 4 covered court.
The city government has provided food and non-food items to the fire victims.
Mayor Rene Gustilo, who was present at the scene on Friday night, expressed his sympathy for the affected families. He recalled his own experience of losing his home to a fire earlier this year.
“My heart breaks for the families who lost their homes in the fire. I understand the pain and uncertainty you’re feeling right now. In these dark times, we are here for you, and as a community, we will stand together to rebuild what has been lost. We will get through this together,” Gustilo said in a Facebook post.
He encouraged anyone willing to help to contribute in any way they could—whether through donations of clothing, food, or financial assistance.
“Every small act of kindness can make a significant difference in helping our neighbors rebuild their lives,” Gustilo said. “Let us stand united in compassion and solidarity, demonstrating the strength and generosity of our community.”
