At least 21 houses located near an office of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod City were hit by a dawn fire on June 26, 2024.

Fire investigators disclosed that 16 of the 21 houses in Purok Magtiayon, Barangay 10, Bacolod City were gutted totally.

Over 30 families, who are mostly informal settlers, comprised of 119 individuals lost their houses and sought temporary shelter at the barangay evacuation center.

It was learned that a fire broke out in the same area in 2019 and 2023.

Residents blamed the BFP for the spread of fire, saying that despite the proximity of the fire office, response came late.

However, BFP pointed out that personnel are trained for quick responses provided there are reports received.

BFP said that despite the said proximity, none of the residents reported the incident. Nevertheless, dispatch was carried out immediately as soon as personnel saw the flames.

Electrical connection is investigated as the cause of the incident.