CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PHILIPPINES — A devastating weekend fire razed a coastal neighborhood in Barangay Lapasan on Sunday, June 28, 2026 leaving hundreds of residents homeless and reducing an estimated 90 houses to ashes.

According to initial reports from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the blaze broke out in a densely populated residential sector of Lapasan, quickly spreading due to strong coastal winds and the highly combustible materials of the local homes.

The emergency began in the afternoon when a small fire reportedly ignited in one of the residential structures. Driven by dry seasonal conditions and shifting winds, the flames swept violently across the tight-knit compound. Thick black smoke could be seen rising from across the city, prompting panic among locals who rushed to salvage what few belongings they could manage.

Fire response units from the Cagayan de Oro District and neighboring volunteer fire brigades rushed to the scene. First responders faced a daunting challenge as narrow alleys and illegally parked vehicles severely restricted large fire trucks from directly accessing the heart of the blaze. Firefighters were forced to link multiple long hoses across hundreds of meters to finally combat and contain the fire storm.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and local barangay officials quickly mobilized to assess the damage and manage the growing humanitarian fallout. Initial estimates indicate that over 190 families—totaling hundreds of individuals—have been displaced by the disaster.

The affected families have been moved to the barangay covered court and local gymnasiums, which are serving as temporary evacuation centers. Emergency response teams have begun distributing relief packages containing rice, canned goods, clean drinking water, sleeping mats, and hygiene kits to help families cope through the immediate aftermath.

BFP investigators are currently conducting a thorough investigation to pinpoint the exact origin and cause of the blaze, looking closely at potential factors such as faulty electrical wiring or overloaded power connections. Total property damages are still being officially calculated by fire marshals.

While no fatalities have been confirmed, local authorities are monitoring several individuals who were treated at the scene for minor burns, smoke inhalation, and panic-induced distress. The local government has appealed to the public and local civic groups for clothing, blankets, and financial donations to aid the victims as they face the long process of rebuilding their lives from the ashes.