MANILA, Philippines — Fire struck the Starmall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City early Saturday morning.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire broke out past 3 a.m., reached the 2nd alarm at 4:15 a.m., the 3rd alarm at 4:49 a.m., and the 5th alarm at 7:13 a.m.
The blaze reached Task Force Alpha at 7:46 a.m. At 12:03 p.m., the fire reached Task Force Alpha.
According to a DZBB report, fire volunteers and personnel of a water concessionary helped firefighters put out the fire.
The fire was placed under control at around 7:03 p.m., the BFP said.
At least four BFP firefighters and one volunteer fireman were hurt in the fire. One firefighter experienced breathing difficulties, two sustained bruises, one felt lightheaded while a fire volunteer had his left thumb lacerated, the BFP said.
Damage left by the fire was initially placed by the BFP at around P100 million.
Starmall Alabang is a five-level building situated in the Alabang-Muntinlupa junction. – JOHN ERIC MENDOZA