Baguio Maharlika Livelihood Complex fire leaves at least P18M worth of damage

Tabuk City, Kalinga – An estimated P18 million worth of damage was left by the fire that broke out at the Maharlika Livelihood Complex in Baguio City in the evening of September 6, 2025.

As reported by the Baguio City Public Information Office, the fire was communicated to the authorities past 9:00 p.m. on September 6. 

The responding authorities, according to their report, had a hard time extinguishing the blaze due to the heavy smoke that filled the basement of the complex, where most stalls were located. 

With that, the firefighters had to use smoke ejectors to prevent the fire from further spreading.  After almost seven hours, the fire was declared out at around 5:00 a.m. the next morning, September 7.

Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were recorded during the incident.  

In a statement after the fire was extinguished, Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed gratitude to all who aided in the firefighting efforts, including fire stations from the city and nearby towns, private organizations, and individuals.

"You and your teams did a great and incredible job risking their lives to perform their duty. You make this city and its people feel safe knowing that you are always quick to respond whenever we have fires. Keep up the good work," the mayor was quoted saying.  

The Baguio CIO added that the City Social Welfare and Development Office has already reached out to the affected tenants for the provision of assistance. 

At present, clearing operations are underway in the affected areas of the complex, along with its upper part, where the affected stall owners will be transferred temporarily. 

Meanwhile, in his interview with a local media outlet, Senior Fire Officer 1 Lloyd Ashley Furigay of the BFP-Baguio stated that there are around 1,500 square meters of commercial space affected by the fire. 

Furigay said that most of the damaged stalls were made of light materials, which rapidly ignited the fire. 

The BFP officer added they are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.