One dead in Paco, Manila fire

One resident died in a fire that hit Paco, Manila early Wednesday morning, the Bureau of Fire Protection said.

The fire hit a residential area on Burgos-Zamora Street.

Residents woke up to the sound of sirens and thick smoke, according to a report by Isa Avendaño-Umali on Dobol B sa News TV.

They rushed to the playground and stayed there for the meantime as responders were trying to put out the fire.

Amid the emergency, the affected residents forgot to wear their face masks and observe social distancing as a measure to avoid possible transmission of COVID-19.

The fire reached the fourth alarm before 6 a.m.

Firemen declared fire out before 9 a.m., according to a report by Jun Veneracion on Balitanghali.

The husband of the victim said he was in Divisoria buying goods to be sold when the fire occurred.

He was filled with sadness since, with his training in putting out fires, he would have been able to ensure his wife would be safe.

The fire started on the second floor of their house.

Property damage is expected to be around P500,000.

Affected residents have been brought to a school serving as evacuation center.

The BFP is investigating the cause of the incident. —Joviland Rita/BAP, GMA News