At 5:05 p.m. on 14 January 2026, a utility worker at DPWH Cordillera reportedly saw smoke coming from the financial management room. He alerted his colleagues and informed the authorities. Employees used four 10-pound fire extinguishers to battle the blaze until firefighters arrived and placed the fire under control.

City fire marshal Fire Superintendent Mark Anthony Dangatan of the Baguio City Fire Station said that arson investigators returned to the scene to examine additional factors that could have caused the fire. The follow-up investigation aimed to reach a conclusion after initial findings prompted mixed reactions from the public.

According to the investigation results, about three to four reams of documents were affected, although it could not be determined what type of documents were involved. Magalong said that DPWH Cordillera will disclose information on the affected documents after completing their review. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon will issue details on the type and importance of the documents damaged in the fire.

Authorities confirmed that only about two square meters of the building were affected and that the fire was declared out several minutes after firefighters responded.

The DPWH Cordillera reassured the public that there was no foul play involved in the incident.