A FIRE razed 13 houses in Purok Lalahoy, Barangay Banago, Bacolod City Monday morning, December 21, 2020.

No casualties were reported.

City Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Publio Plotena said the fire started at the house of a certain Moreto around 11:30 a.m.

He said the fire immediately spread to other houses that were made of light materials. Moreto's house was located at the interior of Purok Lalahoy.

"We had difficulty in penetrating the area because of the narrow pathways since it's a squatter area," he added.

Fire destroyed eight houses and five others were damaged.

Plotena said the blaze, which damaged about P100,000, was put out around 12:03 p.m.

He said they are still conducting further investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Plotena reminded the public not to leave any lighted candle or lamp unattended, and to always check the electrical connection before leaving the house, or immediately unplug an appliance if it smokes or has an unusual smell, and have it repaired.

On Sunday, December 20, four houses were also destroyed and three others

were damaged when a fire hit Purok Seaside, Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City.