Three houses and three motorcycles were destroyed in a fire that broke out in Sitio Pitgong, Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Monday, Aug. 18.
The Kabankalan City Fire Station said two houses were totally gutted while another was damaged.
The fire also engulfed three parked motorcycles in the area.
Authorities said the fire quickly spread because the village is located in an upland area of Brgy. Oringao that is accessible only to light vehicles, preventing fire trucks from reaching the site.
The higher altitude and strong winds also fueled the blaze, allowing the flames to consume the houses rapidly.
Three families were affected by the incident, with damage initially estimated at P20,000.
Residents reported hearing a loud explosion from a circuit breaker moments before the fire erupted, though fire investigators have yet to confirm the cause of the blaze.*