Fire hits residential area in Quiapo

Photo by Faye Orellana. INQUIRER.net

(Updated, 9:49 p.m., Nov. 9) Authorities recorded no injury when a fire broke out in Quiapo, Manila on Friday evening, the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) said.

Senior Fire Inspector Lucio Albarase said in an interview that four houses located at Vergara corner Duque de Alba steets that were made of light materials were burned down as the fire affected at least 15 families.

He also said that the cause of fire is still being determined but noted that the estimated damage to property was P100,000.

“Di pa natin matukoy kasi nagsibagsakan yung… Dalawang palapag, nagsibagsakan yung bubong. Sa ngayon naghahanap pa tayo ng mga kung sinu-sinong nakakita kung saan nag-umpisa,” he said.

A firefighter is conducting a mopping-up operation in an area that was levelled by fire in Manila. INQUIRER.net photo / Faye Orellana

The fire hit the residential area in Quiapo at 6:49 p.m. and it was immediately raised to second alarm minutes after.

“Pwede nating sabihin na kuryente, pwede rin nating sabihin na may naiwan sila na may nagsisigarilyo, kasalukuyan pa kasi yung imbestigasyon natin [kaya hindi pa natin fully madetermine],” he added.

Citing reports from the residents in the area, Albarase said that the houses burned down were approximately 30 years of age.

He also said that the responders had a hard time going to the scene due to narrow streets.

“Medyo mahirap lang ang access natin papunta dito kasi masikip yung daan. Atsaka madaming ano sa kanto mga sidestreets [vendors] natin,” he said. 

The incident was declared fire out at 8:08 p.m. /kga /jpv