The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reports that a late afternoon fire on Tuesday destroyed ten residences and damaged four more in a barangay in Calbayog City, Samar.
Around 4 p.m., the fire broke out in Purok 7, Barangay Hamorawon, Calbayog City, displacing 45 people from 14 residences and causing an estimated P321,000 in damage.
Because the majority of the impacted homes were constructed of lightweight materials, the fire spread quickly.
According to reports from the Calbayog City Fire Office, the fire was probably caused by defective electrical wiring and may have begun in the residence of Genesis Fortaleza, who was not home at the time. Additional investigation is being carried out by the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Firefighters and residents inspect the aftermath of a blaze that gutted structures in Calbayog City on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. ( Photo courtesy of the Calbayog Public Information Office)
Firefighters from the nearby town of Santa Margarita helped respond to the incident, which reached second alarm and was declared under control at 4:48 p.m. There were no recorded fatalities or severe injuries.
The CSWDO was promptly instructed by Mayor Raymund Uy to provide family food kits to impacted households. While some victims have sought refuge with family, others are currently residing in the barangay hall.
According to a statement from the city government, “the bayanihan spirit is evident in this trying time as family members, neighbors, barangay officials, and the city government work together to help those affected.”
READ MORE: LAD REPORTING
