One person died, 24 others were injured, and 2,000 others were rendered homeless when a four-hour fire hit a heavily populated area of Bislig City around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

Senior Superintendent Alex Ga, provincial police director, said the fatality, a male about 60 years old, remained unidentified as of press time.

Ga said the fire razed the four-hectare residential area in downtown Bislig, including two public markets.

Social welfare officials said about 2,000 people were rendered homeless by the fire, which was put under control around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials estimate losses at P150 million.