19 vehicles destroyed in Naia parking lot fire

BURNED Police cordoned off a section at the extended parking area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 after a 35-minute fire on Monday afternoon. The blaze that started from a small grass fire destroyed 19 vehicles but did not disrupt airport operations, officials say. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 19 vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and cars left at the parking extension of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 in Pasay City were razed in a fire on Monday afternoon.

A statement from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said the blaze started at 1:28 p.m. “from a small grass fire which rapidly progressed, burning several nearby vehicles parked thereat.”

The MIAA’s Rescue and Firefighting Division dispatched five firetrucks and a medical team to the site.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire reached the first alarm before it was put out at 2:03 p.m.

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No one injured

MIAA general manager Eric Ines said no one was reported injured as a result of the incident. Flight operations in all four Naia terminals were also unaffected.

The BFP is still investigating the cause and extent of damage of the fire even as Ines “directed all pertinent MIAA units to give their full support to the BFP for the speedy completion of their investigation.”

But based on reports, Ines said they were looking into several causes of the fire, including extreme heat, which was fueled by strong winds and dried grass in the area. According to a report from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the heat index at its station in Naia reached 42 degrees Celsius, already considered under danger level.

Ines also ordered a firetruck to be deployed to the open parking area during the day to immediately put out or prevent fires from happening.

However, he clarified that MIAA had no liability for the burned vehicles since the parking area was leased to a private concessionaire.