Ten houses razed in Gibraltar fire

Ten residential structures were gutted in a fire that broke out at Purok 6 Gibraltar barangay 9 a.m. July 14, 2025 displacing 27 families composed of 117 individuals.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong went to the site to assess the damage all the while ensuring that the victims were getting all allowable government assistance.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Liza Bulayungan said most of the affected families opted to stay with their relatives, while two families decided to avail of the temporary shelter at the Gibraltar Evacuation Center.

The families received immediate assistance consisting of Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) amounting to P20,000 for each owner of the totally damaged houses, family food packs, hygiene kits and blankets.The victims were also provided psychological first aid.

“The other affected families or boarders will be referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development-CAR for further assistance, which may include additional food assistance, cash assistance, food and non-food items and educational assistance for qualified children of the affected families,” Bulayungan said.

Based on her report, the fire originated from one of the residential houses with an unattended rice cooking as the suspected cause.

The Baguio City Fire Station under City Fire Marshal Marisol Odiver said investigation is still ongoing to determine the cause and extent of damage.

Odiver declared fireout at 10:20 a.m.Gibraltar barangay officials immediately launched a donation drive for the victims.

They thanked the responders BCFS, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Baguio City Police Office Station 3, OCSWDO, Dept of Social Welfare and Development, City Health Services Office Mines View District Health Center, Baguio Water District and private water delivery companies, workers of the Phil. Treasure’s Company and residents of Gibraltar and nearby barangays for the “bayanihan” system employed during the emergency situation. – Aileen P. Refuerzo