A fire destroyed at least seven houses in Barangay 31, Bacolod City, while another fire razed a hardware store in Barangay Banago.

Alias "Myron," a fire victim, said that the horror of nearly getting trapped inside their burning house on December 30, 2025, is still fresh in his mind.

"Kaka-stroke ko lang, gumaling na ako tapos iyan na. Malaki ang apoy talaga. Hindi na namin alam kung ano ang uunahin namin basta safety lang namin muna ang inuna namin,” Myron said.

Six of the houses were said to be totally gutted.

The fire also struck a portion of a furniture shop.

Meanwhile, “Tes,” another fire victim, underscored the agony she feels after losing her dogs trapped in the fire.

“Ang ina nito at mga kapatid, namatay. Siya lang ang nakaligtas,” Tes said.

As of this writing, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has investigated on the possible cause of the fire.

“Meron tayong tinitingnang cause of fire, ang una, unattended cooking, ang pangalawa electrical ignition, ang pangatlo, due to pagwe-welding,” said FInsp. Jemarie Tapiru, deputy fire marshal of BFP Bacolod City.

Barangay 31 Chairman Mario Flores said that a few residents were seen welding before the fire broke out.

“Nagwelding sila, may ni-repair sila. I don’t know bakit iyon nangyari,” Flores said.

Further, a fire razed a hardware store in Barangay Banago.

The fire spread quickly to adjacent establishments and two houses.

"Pia," a fire victim, could not believe her house and store, which she worked hard for, were all reduced to ashes.

“Pangarap ko ito. Itong tindahan, ang ending, hindi para sa akin, binawi naman aga,” Pia said.

As for "Nico," another fire victim, sustained burns on the body when he tried to save his motorcycle from the flames.

“Kinuha ko ang motor kasi dito ako nag-parking. Papunta kasi dito ang direksyon ng hangin. Ang hapdi nga,” Nico said.

A few other fire victims were rushed to the hospital after sustaining burns. It was reported that they are all safe from harm.

The BFP is yet to pinpoint the possible cause of the fire.