More than 400 families were displaced in separate fire incidents in Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

In Cagayan de Oro City, more than 200 families were displaced after a fire hit a residential area in Barangay 17.

According to reports, the fire may have started from the house of Bolasito family, with some residents alleging that children playing with matchsticks may have triggered the fire.

However, the father of the children denied the allegations of their neighbors, saying that faulty electrical wiring could have been the cause.

“Mao man nakita nila mao pud akong pangutana mao sab ilang istorya nga wire gyud lage daw among mga silingan kami ga tan-awon dili man na matuyo sa bata pud,” resident affected, John Paul Bolasito, said.

“Tanan zone gipang butangan ni Atterviry ug fire extinguisher wala gyud nagamit tungod sa ilang ka panic di na madala gi una na lang nila ang gamit,” another resident affected, Clark Daniel Lincuna, added.

Data from the barangay showed that 138 houses were affected and around 204 families were displaced as of morning on Friday, October 3.

The residents affected are taking shelter temporarily at the tents installed under the Marcos Bridge.

The barangay also set up a community kitchen to provide food assistance and appealed for donations to help fire survivors rebuild their homes.

“Kung long term kung gusto mag donate kay akong gi-require man gud sa akong barangay nga di na mag allow ug light materials wala nay kahoy so I will be accepting hallowblocks, semento, kabilya para maka structure sila balik kay duol na pasko luoy sab sila di mani magpasko diri ilalom tulay,” Barangay Chairman Anthony Atterviry said.

The Cagayan de Oro City Fire District said the fire was raised to fourth alarm as it spread quickly because most of the houses affected were made of mixed light materials.

At least 22 fire trucks responded to the incident. Two firefighters sustained injuries during the incident.

“Pag residential nga angles mag unattended cooking, electrical ignition caused by overloading or electrical ignition caused by arcing or children playing matchsticks or lighter,” Cagayan de Oro Fire District Intelligence and Investigation Chief, Fire Inspector Mary Ranelie Salga, said.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

The damage to properties was estimated at P1.5 million.

DAVAO CITY FIRE

Meanwhile, at least 200 families were also displaced after a fire engulfed their houses in Barangay 21-C, Davao City on Thursday, October 2.

Firefighters and fire volunteers responded immediately to contain the fire. Responders struggled entering the area due to the narrow alleys.

Authorities said the strong winds and closely built houses fueled the rapid spread of the fire.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the fire to fourth alarm at 5:30 p.m. before it was declared fire out at 7:27 p.m.

No casualty was reported.

Residents affected by the fire were immediately assisted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and temporarily housed at the gymnasiums of Barangays 21-C and 22-C.

Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte also visited the evacuation centers evening on Thursday to distribute food packs.

“Nasabtan namo nga naa silay gipagdaanan pero naa man ta, naa man mi wala man namo sila gibiyaan, wala puy tulugay. Gabie palang daan gisecure na namo ilang pagkaon. Karon buntag naghatag napud,” CSDWO Poblacion District B Head, Gina Molon, said.

Witnesses said the fire may have started at the house of a couple in the area.

“Ang kalayo naa na sa balay sa akong anak kay bale duha mani ka balay. Diha na, sa hugasan. Nitabok na ang kalayo, nigawas na sa balay sa akong anak. Paspas kaayo, kusog kaayo ang hangin,” resident affected, Dodong Plasabas, said.

The couple was brought to the police station.

“Ang rason kung nganong gidala nato sila sa police station is didto nalang magconduct og investigation ang investigator nato from BFP and sa mga witnesses nga naa duol sa ilang panimalay,” Davao City Police Office Spokesperson, Capt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon, said.

According to residents, this was the second fire to hit their community in just two years.

“Nagkinahanglan jud mi og kanang hygiene, pang adlaw adlaw nga kuan kay wala lagi pud mu masuot. Ang pagtukod og balay ani ang among giproblemahan. Naguol jud ko asa mi mamuyo,” another resident affected, Elvie Tupaz, said.

CSWDO is currently validating the total number of affected families, while the BFP continues to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage.

(With reports from Rgil Relator, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)