CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A residential fire destroyed at least 22 houses and injured three people in Barangay 30 here on Saturday morning with property damage estimated at around P1.5 million.

The fire broke out at about 8:20 a.m. along J. Ebarle Street. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) received the alarm at 8:22 a.m. and deployed fire trucks from nearby stations, which arrived within four minutes.

Firefighters battled the blaze for about two hours, bringing it under control at 10:25 a.m. and declaring it fully extinguished shortly after.

The fire spread rapidly through the neighborhood because of the closely packed wooden houses, with flames jumping from one structure to another along the narrow street.

Three people were injured. Two residents suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation, while another sustained cuts from broken glass. All were treated at the scene and released.

Around 20 to 25 families were displaced after losing their homes and belongings.

Affected families are temporarily staying at the Barangay 30 covered court, while others are with relatives in neighboring barangays.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office distributed initial relief packs containing food, drinking water, blankets and hygiene kits.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X is coordinating with the city government to provide additional emergency supplies and cash assistance to eligible families.

Barangay officials are also compiling a master list of affected households for validation and the distribution of further assistance.

The BFP has yet to determine the cause of the fire. Investigators are examining possible causes, including electrical faults and unattended cooking, and will issue a preliminary report once their findings are confirmed.