Firemen inspect the ceiling of the Classic Savory branch inside Ali Mall where the fire started. BONG LOZADA/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—A fire erupted inside one of the shopping malls at the Araneta Center in Cubao Tuesday evening.
Authorities say that the fire started in the branches of Classic Savory and Gerry’s Grill inside Ali Mall’s second floor around 6:30 pm.
Responding fire volunteers say the fire has escalated to the third alarm with almost 25 fire trucks heeding the call.
As of 7:45 p.m., Superintendent Jesus Fernandez of the Bureau of Fire Protection has declared the fire under control. He said the cause of the fire was electrical short circuit, which started at the ceiling of the two restaurants.
As of 7:55 p.m., the BFP has declared fire out on the situation.
As a precautionary measure, Fernandez said three fire trucks from the nearest stations would stay in the vicinity.
“Fortunately the fire was put under control in a short period of time and it did not spread to the other establishments,” Fernandez said.
Around P1 million was estimated as losses for the two restaurants.
“We would like to thank swift response of the fire department and our patrons can rest assure that we will cooperate fully with the government to prioritize safety within our malls,” the Araneta center management said in a statement. With a report from Julliane Love de Jesus
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