In a belated report, fire officials said the fire started at around 5:15 p.m. at the second floor of a house owned by a certain Danny Babansad.
Firefighters declared a fire-out at 12:55 a.m. yesterday after struggling for seven hours to bring the blaze under control.
Probers are yet to determine what actually caused the fire. Residents believe faulty electrical wiring or firecrackers could have triggered it.
One man, Ben Anthony Reyes, suffered a cut in his right foot while trying to save some valuables from his burning house.
At least 1,800 people are now seeking shelter in a covered court, a church, and a compound.
The Sitio Salvacion Day-Care Center, which was put up by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi for poor children, was also burned to the ground.
Fresnedi said he has organized the city’s disaster coordinating council together with various departments to provide assistance to the fire victims.
At least 50 sacks of rice and other food items have already been distributed while health officers are keeping watch over the refugees’ health to prevent disease.
Fresnedi assured the fire victims that the city government will help them find a place where they can spend Christmas. — Michael Punongbayan