Amid the flooding in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, two adjacent houses in Barangay Palua, caught fire, leaving nine residents, including six children, homeless.

According to Veronica Damaso, a neighbor, she heard a loud explosion before seeing the fire spread quickly.

"Biglang may sumabog na malakas... Nakita ko yung apoy, nandun na sa bubong," she said.

One of the homeowners, Marilyn Cañelas, believes a phone that was being charged triggered the fire.

"May pumutok. ‘Yung cellphone siguro ni Mama ang sumabog. Naka-charge," she said.

The narrow roads made it impossible for firetrucks to reach the site, forcing firefighters and residents to rely on passing buckets of water to put out the blaze.

No one was injured but the families affected lost all their belongings, except for a few clothes that were hung outside their houses.

"Sana po kung sino man ang may mabuting loob ay tulungan po kami... Nangangalakal lang po kami, hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa buhay namin," Josephine Fernandez, another homeowner, said.

Barangay officials and neighbors have stepped in to help.

Barangay councilwoman Mayeth Sanchez said the residents affected are being sheltered temporarily at the barangay hall and will be provided with materials they can use to rebuild their homes.

"Puwede muna po sa Barangay Hall [sila]... Gumamit ng kawayan para mabuo yung bubong nila," Sanchez said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is still investigating the incident and assessing the total damage, as of this writing.