A fire struck at least seven houses in Estancia, Iloilo past 3 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Estancia, the fire razed seven houses made of light materials in Barangay Bayuyan.

The houses are owned by the Bandojo, Mahinay, and Belosillo families.

BFP said that the cause of the fire may have been electrical in nature.

A resident identified as Wilma Bandojo sustained burns. She reportedly was not able to get out of her house immediately. Bandojo sustained second-degree burns on her right arm.

“Pito, maliliit lang kasi at ang mga tindahan, tinutulugan rin.Magkakatabi lang ang mga bahay. Sa tingin namin, doon sa transformer banda (ang pinagmulan ng apoy),” said FO1 Kennith Silverio, chief of the Investigation and Intelligence Unit of Estancia BFP.

Damage left behind by the fire incident is estimated to be over P100,000.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Fire Station activates the Red Alert status in preparation for the holidays.

“Before umalis sa inyong mga bahay, i-see to it natin na naka-switch off ang kuryente or kung may naiwan tayong niluluto, make sure natin na naka-switch of ang stove. Or kung gumagamit tayo ng uling or kahoy, make sure natin na walang baga,” said FO1 Denmark Macoco, chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Unit of BFP Iloilo City.

Macoco said that BFP Iloilo City conducts regular public, mobile announcement on fire prevention and safety of persons and properties.

“Nagco-conduct tayo ng recorida especially sa mga barangay na thickly populated or marami ang kabahayan. Sinasabi natin ang reminders in relation sa Oplan Iwas Paputok,” Macoco added.

Erlinda Lavella, a resident, said that she uses charcoal in cooking. As her house is made of light materials, she makes sure that the fire is doused before she leaves her house.

“Bago ako umalis, pinapatay ko muna ang apoy kasi kung masunog, ano na lang ang gagawin ko?” Lavella said.