More than 40 individuals, most of whom are renters, were displaced after a fire razed at least four houses in Barangay Cannery Site, Polomolok, South Cotabato on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Residents were awakened by thick smoke after the fire broke out past 2 a.m.

The fire reportedly spread quickly as most of the houses affected were made of light materials.

Firefighters responded immediately and put the fire out after nearly an hour.

Based on data from the barangay, at least four houses were affected, three of which were boarding houses.

No one was hurt in the incident as residents managed to escape in time.

“Among ka boardmate isa ni-ambak sa bintana kay dugay siya nakamata ba, pag-ambak niya sa bintana parehas mi walay nadala,” fire victim, Jessie Nunog, said.

The residents affected are taking shelter temporary at the barangay covered court.

“Kung naa puy humok og kasing-kasing nga mahatag so amo dawatun para lang pud sa katawhan diri sa purok,” Purok Chairman, Arturo Mediavila Sr., said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is looking into electrical problem as the possible cause of the fire.

“Ginatan-aw nato katong electrical nato, time sa mga tigtulog ta, naa nakasaksak ang atung appliances basig nagkaroon ng lapses or katung wala nabantayan tarong or nagka-short circuit lang per under investigation pa man ta,” BFP Polomolok Public Information Unit Chief, FO3 Ainee Figueroa, said.