Fire razes houses in Pandacan, Manila

Photo from Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO)

MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — Fire broke out at residential area at Pandacan, Manila on Saturday morning, city fire department reported.

In a phone interview with INQUIRER.net, Manila Fire Department said the fire along Balagtas Street, Barangay 833 in Pandacan began at 9:59 a.m.

After almost 30 minutes, it was raised to fifth alarm. At 11:57 a.m., the blaze was declared under control by the Bureau of Fire Protection. After more than five hours, the blaze was finally extinguished.

A spot report from Manila Fire showed that 300 families were left homeless in the conflagration. The fire also left over P2 million worth of damages in the area.

Fire investigators also said an unidentified individual suffered second degree burns from the incident.

According to Manila Public Information Office, 88 families have been evacuated and are taking shelter at Sto. Niño Church and Barangay 33 Social Hall. The Manila Department Social Welfare also gave out hot meals to evacuees.

Investigators are still looking into the cause of the incident.

BREAKING: Fifth alarm fire hits residential area in Barangay 833 in Pandacan, Manila | via @ManilaDRRMO #AlertoManileno pic.twitter.com/21tdkfr1CK

— Manila Public Information Office (@ManilaPIO) December 28, 2019

Edited by MUF, JE