Nine injured in Canlaon booth fire at Buglasan Festival

BACOLOD CITY — Nine people were injured in a fire at Canlaon City’s booth in Negros Oriental on Wednesday night during the province’s Buglasan Festival.

A video circulating on social media showed several people jumping from the booth as the flames quickly spread.

The victims sustained minor burns and abrasions and were taken to Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital and Silliman University Medical Center.

The Buglasan Festival Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee said all nine victims were in stable condition after receiving medical treatment.

The committee said the Bureau of Fire Protection received the fire call at 9:04 p.m. and declared the blaze out at 9:15 p.m.

Citing the BFP’s initial report, the committee said the suspected cause was an accidental electrical incident.

Mayor Jose Chubasco “Batchuk” Cardenas said Thursday that he was saddened by the fire, particularly after artists and residents worked to design and build the booth as a public showcase of Canlaon City’s beauty, culture, and pride.

Despite the significant damage, Cardenas said parts of the booth’s structure remained standing.

He said the booth’s beauty could still be seen in its remains.

The booth’s design was inspired by Kanlaon Volcano, which towers over Canlaon City.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has kept Kanlaon Volcano under Alert Level 2, indicating increased unrest.

Cardenas said the booth’s design before the fire was a testament to the quality of work invested in it.

“It only shows the creativity and talent of the artists not just to compete, but to let people appreciate and experience the beauty and pride of Canlaon City,” Cardenas said, as he expressed sympathy for those affected by the fire.

He said the city would assist the injured regardless of whether they were from Canlaon City.

“The structure may be damaged, but we can still see how beautiful it was because it was built with pride, and with the spirit of Canlaon that will always stand tall amidst the challenges,” he said.

Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria ordered the Buglasan Safety and Security Committee, led by the BFP, to immediately reinspect all festival booths to prevent similar incidents.

The provincial government reassured the public, visitors, and participants that safety protocols remained in place.

Buglasan, which the provincial government calls its Festival of Festivals, showcases the cultural celebrations of Negros Oriental’s cities and municipalities.

The 2026 Buglasan Festival runs from Oct. 15 through 25.