Valenzuela warehouse fire raging on Day 2; Nine hurt, 218 families flee

Fire still burning a warehouse in Bagbaguin, Valenzuela city on second day, September 29, 2023. (Photo from Facebook page of Valenzuela city government)

UPDATED at 08:12 A.M., October 1, 2023, to reflect latest information from authorities

MANILA, Philippines — Raging fire has engulfed a storage facility in Bagbaguin, Valenzuela City.

The blaze has been ongoing since Thursday.

It has injured nine individuals and affected at least 218 families.

Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) reported a civilian named Joushem Dealagdon got punctured on his left foot because of the incident.

The bureau also said eight firemen were injured.

One personnel sustained a first-degree burn on the face.

Two got minor lacerations on their hands.

One was wounded on the left arm.

A fireman had abrasions on both legs.

Three had minor blisters on their legs as well.

Meanwhile, the Valenzuela City government said as of 3 p.m. on Friday, the affected families are taking shelter in four different evacuation centers.

They consist of more than 800 individuals.

Some families are staying in Mariano Elementary School, Paso de Blas 3S Center Multi-Purpose Hall, Pedro L. Santiago Elementary School, and Canumay East 3S Covered Court.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian said residents near the site of fire had to evacuate the area because of thick smoke.

Gatchalian made this known through a Facebook post.

BFP-NCR said the first alarm was raised on Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

It reached the seventh alarm or Task Force Bravo at 3:40 p.m.

As of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and more than 24 hours later, authorities said the facility is still burning.

BFP-NCR has yet to determine the cause of the incident and the cost of damage.

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