Baguio city: The fire that razed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cordillera regional office originated from its Financial Management Records room, the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said Thursday. In a media interview, City Fire Marshal Mark Anthony Dangatan stated that a utility worker saw smoke emanating from the room located on the building's ground floor and promptly reported the incident at approximately 5:25 p.m.

According to Philippines News Agency, the utility worker quickly alerted the security personnel and drivers, who attempted to extinguish the fire using four 10-lbs fire extinguishers. Dangatan noted that the agency's personnel continued their firefighting efforts until the Baguio City Fire Station personnel arrived at the scene and took over the fire suppression operations.

Dangatan confirmed there were no casualties from the fire, which was "controlled at 5:36 p.m. and extinguished at 5:43 p.m on Wednesday." He mentioned that their personnel are currently conducting an investigation at the site of the fire.

Reports indicated that the Commission on Audit office at the DPWH-CAR building was not impacted by the fire. On Wednesday night, the DPWH Central Office announced its collaboration with the BFP and the Baguio city government to ensure an "immediate and thorough investigation into the cause of the incident."