SIXTEEN houses were razed by fire in Barangay Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City on Wednesday morning, January 1.

According to Donna Magno of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the fire started around 9:36 a.m. and was declared under control at 10:26 a.m.

The fire that hit a residential area gutted 16 houses.

Magno said the cause of fire is still under investigation. However, some residents in the area said that they heard an explosion before the incident.

Around 25 families or 128 individuals were affected by the fire. They are currently evacuated at a covered gym in Barangay Sambag.

Food packs were already distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other relief items, including blankets, were given by the City Government. (SunStar Philippines)