A dawn fire in Bacolod City displaced at least 26 families.

The incident occurred past 2 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 in Barangay 2, Bacolod City.

Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded immediately but over 20 houses were already gutted.

“Segundos lang. Ang bilis lang, nandito na sa CR namin ang apoy. Lumabas na lang ako at tumakbo,” Ryan Chavez, a fire victim, said.

In an investigation of the BFP, the fire started at a house rented by a common-law couple. However, they couple could not be located anymore in the area after the incident.

An unattended lit candle was seen as the cause of the fire, according to the BFP.

"Given na seaside sila, ang wind direction and at the same time, ang mga kabahayan, light materials. Ang ikatlong bahay na nasa liko. Ang initial investigation na nakuha namin, nakita nila ang apoy doon mismo sa pader. Unattended lighted candle," said FO2 Rolin Paulan, investigator at Bacolod City Fire Station.

The 26 families displaced sought temporary shelter at the chapel of the barangay hall.

“Masakit na Christmas. Sana may tumulong sa amin. Ang lungkot ng aming Christmas,” Ezel Malagsic, a fire victim, said.

“Humihingi kami ng tulong sa LGU [local government unit] na i-assist kami kung ano ang gagawin. Nag-provide sila ng tent at food packs," Barangay 2 Chairwoman Emelda Banguanga said.

The BFP reminds the public again to be more cautious, especially during the Christmas season. 

"As we celebrate ng Yuletide season, iwasan ang mga kandila na unattented. Ang mga niluluto, huwag pabayaan dahil posibleng pagmulan ng sunog,” Paulan said.