A fire in the Jaro district of Iloilo City razed at least 76 homes over the weekend.

The local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) received a call around 3:54 p.m. last Saturday, November 4, wherein all fire trucks and volunteer fire brigades were deployed.

It took over two hours to put out the blaze.

According to authorities, the incident originated at the home of Reynaldo Ledesma, which City Fire Marshal Bartolome Beliran attributed to electrical overloading due to the illegal tapping of electricity.

In addition, with the majority of homes made of light materials, it was easy for the fire to spread.

Beliran estimated total damages at P4 million.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said displaced families are currently being sheltered at the Jaro Gym.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office is also appealing for donations of used clothing, food and other necessary relief goods./WDJ