Agdao Fire in Davao City Displaces About 1,000 Families
A fire that burned for hours in Agdao District displaced an estimated 1,000 families. Here are the confirmed facts, evacuation centres and how residents can help.
In this article
The Agdao fire in Davao City on the evening of Thursday, October 15, 2026 left an estimated 1,000 families displaced, according to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) as reported by SunStar Davao. The blaze hit a densely populated area of Barangay Leon Garcia Sr., Agdao District, and was declared out at 1:20 a.m. on Friday, October 16.
No casualties or injuries were reported by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), according to Edge Davao, though many residents lost their homes and belongings.
What happened
SunStar Davao reported the fire started a little past 5 p.m. on October 15, and that it escalated to Task Force Alpha, the sixth level of the BFP alarm system. Edge Davao reported a 5:06 p.m. report time and said the fire was placed under control at 8:49 p.m. before being declared out early Friday. Outlets give slightly different start times and neighbourhood names (Purok Bakal, Purok Coreas, and Carpenter appear in different reports), so those details should be treated as unconfirmed.
BFP spokesperson Frances Marie Sendrijas said 14 fire stations took part, per SunStar, which counted 15 BFP trucks. The Daily Tribune reported 24 fire trucks. Whichever figure is right, it was a large, multi-hour response.
Cause and damage
The cause has not been officially established. Edge Davao reported that investigators were looking at unattended cooking as a possible cause, and that early reports of an explosion in a boarding house were traced to the kitchen. The number of destroyed structures and the total damage had not been released.
The 1,000-family figure is an early estimate. The CSWDO said it was still validating the number.
Where displaced families are staying
According to SunStar and the Tribune, evacuation sites include:
- Barangay Leon Garcia Sr. gymnasium (primary centre)
- Leon Garcia National High School
- Emmanuel Garcia Elementary School
- Barangay Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. gymnasium
- Agdao Skate Park
Relief and how to help
The Tribune reported that the Office of the Vice President's food truck and the CSWDO distributed food packs, and that the CSWDO's emergency mobile kitchen was serving meals at evacuation centres. SunStar reported that the offices of Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte and Rep. Paolo Duterte also gave out food packs and hot lugaw.
SunStar listed a CSWDO donation point at Rizal Park, with clothing preferred, and said the Sangguniang Kabataan council of Barangay Leon Garcia Sr. launched its own drive for rice, canned goods, drinking water, clothes, blankets and hygiene items. Residents interviewed by SunStar named rice, drinking water, food, clothing, cooking utensils, financial aid and medical supplies among their needs. Donation hours may have changed since the report, so confirm with the CSWDO before you go.
What this means for Davao readers
If you live nearby, expect traffic changes: SunStar reported two lanes near the site were closed for clearing and assessment. For fire safety at home, never leave cooking unattended and know your barangay's emergency contacts. For a wider look at the city, see our Davao guide and the latest news from the region.
Sources
- SunStar Davao: Agdao fire displaces 1,000 families
- Daily Tribune: Fire displaces 1,000 families
- Edge Davao: Massive Davao City fire affects around 1,000 families in Agdao; cause under investigation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many families were affected by the Agdao fire?
Authorities estimate about 1,000 families. The CSWDO was still validating the number, so it may change.
Was anyone hurt?
The BFP reported no casualties or injuries, according to Edge Davao.
What caused the fire?
The cause is under investigation. Unattended cooking was being considered as a possible cause, per Edge Davao.
