Massive Fire Engulfs Ice Cream Factory in Barangay Bulihan, Batangas

MALVAR, BATANGAS — A massive fire broke out at an ice cream factory in Barangay Bulihan, Malvar, Batangas, prompting a rapid response from local fire departments and emergency personnel.

The incident began when thick smoke and heavy flames suddenly erupted from within the facility. Employees and nearby residents immediately raised the alarm as the fire quickly spread through the factory's production units and storage areas.

Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), alongside several volunteer fire brigades from neighboring municipalities across Batangas, rushed to the scene. Higher alarm levels were raised due to the rapid spread of the flames, fueled by materials and equipment inside the commercial plant.

Emergency crews immediately established containment lines to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent residential areas and nearby commercial structures.

Authorities are actively conducting search and assessment operations to determine whether any workers were trapped or injured during the onset of the blaze. As a safety precaution, residents living close to the facility were temporarily evacuated to protect them from dense, toxic smoke.

The BFP has launched an investigation to establish the cause of the fire and assess the total cost of property damage. Local officials have advised motorists and the public to avoid roads leading to Barangay Bulihan to ensure clear access for fire trucks and emergency response vehicles.

In response to the incident, the local government unit (LGU) of Malvar set up a temporary relief and evacuation post at a nearby barangay hall to accommodate displaced families and assist workers affected by the sudden shutdown. Municipal health officers were also deployed to provide free medical checkups, face masks, and respiratory care for residents exposed to the heavy smoke and fumes.

Meanwhile, local disaster risk reduction management officials stated that an assessment of environmental safety will be conducted before evacuees are permitted to return to their homes. Industrial safety inspectors, together with the BFP, are scheduled to examine the structural integrity of the damaged building once the site is completely declared safe, ensuring that no further hazards exist for the surrounding community.