Around 100 houses were razed by fire in two areas in Barangay 5-A Bankerohan, Davao City morning on Friday, August 23, 2024.

The communities affected were Purok 6A and 6B.

Authorities said the fire may have spread quickly because most of the houses affected were made of light materials.

Survivors tried to salvage their belongings and their pets.

“Naay nibuto kalit. So, una nakuan pagbuto, ang kurtina. Gitabang, wala naman siya natabang. So, dako naman kaayo ang kalayo until na ano na sa among balay. Mao ng nikalat na siya wala na natabang. Kami wala kaayo mi gamit nakuha kay gusto unta mi musulod, di mi kasulod,” fire victim, Richly Ragas, said.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) has conducted tagging and assessment to determine the total number of families affected.

The families affected are taking shelter temporarily at the barangay gymnasium and were given immediate assistance.

“Tong mga fire victim, naa karon didto sa gym ug sa brgy hall. Among giplastar sa sa didto for the meantime,” Barangay Chairman, Gilbert Mata, said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is still looking into the cause of the fire, as of this writing.