A fire swept through several houses in Barangay Ibayo, Balanga City, Bataan.

Residents scrambled to save what they could as flames spread quickly through the homes that were built closely.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire reached the first alarm. It was contained within an hour.

Initial investigations revealed that an unattended electric fan caused the blaze.

“Actually, ito po ay kinabibilangan ng mga squatter’s area po. Kaya, so far po, gawa sa light materials ang mga bahay. Umabot po sa anim na bahay ang natupok,” City Fire Marshal FSInsp. Ronnie Jaire said.

Nine families were displaced, including the Carreon family, who lost everything.

“May mga natira mam? Wala po ni isa. Sobrang hirap po kasi wala naman pong nagbibigay sa kanila ng pinansyal na tulong,” Genica Carreon, a relative of one of the affected families, said.

No lives were lost, fortunately.

Some families are now sheltered temporarily at the barangay’s covered court.