Fire hits Manila’s Central Market; 5th alarm raised

MANILA — A fire broke out at the Central Market in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

Sr. Supt. Crossbee Gumowang, of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), said in a Viber message that the blaze had reached the fifth alarm, damaging several houses.

Videos posted online shows the Central Market engulfed in thick smoke, with several stores and houses going up in flames. Several residents were also seen evacuating while carrying important belongings.

Reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said firefighters arrived at the scene after the fire started at around 1:35 p.m.

According to the BFP, two ambulances also responded to the area. No one was reported hurt during the blaze.

Fire investigators are still trying to establish the cause of the fire and the cost of damage rendered to several establishment.

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JPV