BAGUIO CITY — A New Year's celebration turned tragic for more than a hundred individuals when a fire destroyed their homes in the early morning of 1 January 2025, in a residential area in Benguet.

The fire, which struck Riverside Compound in Barangay Camp 6 along Kennon Road in Tuba, began around 1:20 AM. It is suspected to have started in an abandoned house made of light materials.

Residents attempted to control the fire while waiting for firefighters, but the blaze spread rapidly due to strong winds.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the Bureau of Fire Protection has yet to assess the total damage.

According to the Barangay Local Government, 24 houses were damaged, affecting 37 families or 155 individuals.

Village officials are requesting donations of clothing, food, and other essentials for those affected.