3 dead in Iloilo City fire

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16) — Three people were killed in a fire that hit a residential area in Molo district, Iloilo City early Saturday morning. The fire also displaced dozens of families, the local government said.

The Iloilo City government reported that 72 families have been affected by the blaze which engulfed Zone 3 in Barangay Salvacion, Habog-Habog before 5 a.m.

It reached the fourth alarm before fire out was declared at 6:59 a.m.

Authorities said 66 structures were damaged, of which 64 were totally destroyed. They noted that the houses were made of light materials, causing the fire to spread quickly.

No injuries have so far been reported.

The city government appealed to the public for donations for the victims, who are staying at the evacuation site at the Baluarte Elementary School.

“Their immediate needs are clothes, food items, utensils, water, and undergarments,” the local government said in a social media post.

“For those who want to extend their help and donate, you may directly contact the Iloilo City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) personnel at the evacuation center,” it also wrote.