BACOLOD CITY: An afternoon fire razed 13 houses in Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City on Wednesday, February 7.

Of the 13 houses, 11 were totally destroyed and two were partially damaged, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod reported.

The blaze erupted around 2:15 p.m. and was raised to second alarm.

Senior Fire Officer Jereck Barbas, ground commander at the scene of the fire, said the fire started in the house of Remedios Saldua and quickly spread to neighboring houses.

"The houses in the area were made of mixed materials and built close to each other with many separated only by plywood walls," he said.

No injuries were reported but the damage was estimated at P1.5 million.

The fire was declared under control at 2:34 p.m.

Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of fire.

Alma Gustilo, acting city social welfare officer, said the fire affected 16 families with 46 members.

Some of the families are temporarily staying at a chapel in Barangay 2 and have been provided with food and nonfood assistance by the city government, Gustilo added.