JOLO, Sulu — A fire broke out in Sitio Zone 3, Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, on the afternoon of January 29, 2026, devastating several homes in the community.

According to initial reports, the fire originated near the road leading to Sitio Tanjung, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, and quickly spread due to the prevalence of houses made from light, highly flammable materials. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), alongside soldiers, police, and other local responders, quickly mobilized to contain the blaze. PLTC Annidul Sali, head of the Jolo Municipal Police Station, oversaw crowd control and ensured the safety and security of residents during the firefighting operations.

Authorities confirmed that the fire has now been brought under control, but investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. Early assessments suggest that the combination of densely packed residential structures and flammable building materials significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Incidents like this underscore the vulnerability of many communities in Mindanao to fire hazards, especially in areas with limited access to firefighting resources or emergency planning. While the coordinated response helped prevent further casualties, the event raises questions about long-term disaster preparedness and housing safety standards in vulnerable regions. How can local governments and communities better equip themselves to prevent and respond to fires in areas with high population density and flammable housing materials? (Larawan mula sa: Sadra Daud / Facebook)