Two fire incidents destroyed over 20 houses and killed an individual in Jaro District, Iloilo City on Monday, February 16, 2026. 

A fire occurred past 12 noon in Barangay Benedicto, Jaro and destroyed over 20 houses.

Residents were seen trying to save a few of their belongings.

However, Josie Martinez who was not around when the fire broke out has nothing but the clothes she is wearing. 

“Light materials kasi itong bahay namin. Sarili lang namin ang aming naisalba. Anong magagawa natin dahil nangyari na ito?” Martinez said.

Despite the immediate response of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire spread quickly because of strong winds.

"Sa weather talaga kasi medyo malakas ang hangin kanina, especially during ng kasagsagan ng sunog. Ang mga bahay almost dikit-dikit,” SFO1 Denmark Macoco, chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Unit of BFP-Iloilo City, said.

Aside from over 20 houses struck, at least 10 houses have been reported to be totally gutted.

The fire was placed under control at 1:50 p.m. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, according to BFP-Iloilo City.

Earlier, a man was trapped in a burning “talyer” (vehicle repair shop) also in Jaro.

Rostom Ancita, 25 years old, aspired to become a member of the BFP. But it would be impossible now for that to happen, as Rostom died in the fire in Barangay Balabago, Jaro at 2:30 a.m.

Angelito, his father, said that Rostom was fast asleep when the incident occurred.

He tried to save him, but the burning roof fell.

“Napakasakit. Wala tayong magagawa kasi apoy yung pumatay sa kanya. Maglakbay ka nang mapayapa. Kaawaan ka ni Lord,” Angelito said.

According to the BFP, Rostom's body was found a few meters away from his bed which indicates that he tried to run but died due to suffocation.

“Ang location kung saan siya narekober is away na sa kanyang higaan. Basi paggising niya, malaki na talaga ang apoy,” Macoco said.

The fire spread quickly because the shop was made mostly of bamboo, BFP added.

The fire destroyed four motorcycles and a car.

Damage cost approximately P65,000, BFP added.