Fires hit Manila, Parañaque; 2 hurt, more than 100 families homeless

At least two firefighters were injured while some 100 families were made homeless after a fire of undetermined origin hit a row of houses in Manila's Singalong district Wednesday noon. Firefighters could not immediately get to the fire on Zapanta Street due to the narrow alleys, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. Initial investigation showed the fire started at about 11:44 a.m., and reached the fifth alarm. A separate report on "News TV Live" said 50 houses were affected by the fire, which started at a two-story residential structure. The fire was put out at about 1 p.m. Arson investigators are still looking into what caused the fire. Parañaque fire Meanwhile, at least P1 million in property was destroyed in a fire that razed a residential area in Parañaque City late Wednesday afternoon. No one was initially reported injured in the fire at the Better Living area, radio dzBB reported Wednesday night. The fire spread quickly as the houses there were made of light materials. At least 20 houses were destroyed in the fire, the report said. Initial investigation showed the fire started at 5:48 p.m. and reached the third alarm. It was eventually put out before 9 p.m. Arson investigators are verifying information the fire could have been caused by a candle or a gas lamp that tipped over as there was no electricity in the area at the time. — DVM, GMA News