Fire hits Barangay Botocan in Quezon City

Fire hit a residential area in Barangay Botocan, Quezon city on Tuesday evening, Athena Imperial reported on "Saksi."

The fire that started about 6 p.m. spread quickly because the houses in the area were made of light materials.

After less than an hour, the fire alarm was raised to Task Force Alpha.

The fire has been declared under control by 9:54 p.m.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has ordered concerned City Hall departments and offices to extend all the necessary help to an estimated 500 families who lost their homes to fire, according to a statement issued by the Quezon City Public Affairs Office.

Bautista directed City Administrator Aldrin Cuna, who is on scene to oversee the city government crisis committee, to make sure those affected by the fire will have adequate food, water and shelter while recovering from the incident.

Around 150 houses were razed in the incident, while a resident, identified as Generoso Domingo, was reported wounded.

About 500 families were affected by the blaze.

According to initial reports of fire officials, the fire started at a two-storey home with suspected faulty electrical wiring. Damage estimates now at ?2 million — 150 houses and 500 families affected. || @gmanews pic.twitter.com/7KOcs3AnVV

— Jon Viktor Cabuenas (@jvdcabuenas) March 6, 2018

The fire started in a 2-story house of a certain Pelino Tabon in Area 6-B of Barangay Botocan.

Based on the initial report of the arson investigators, the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. — with Jon Viktor Cabuenas/BAP, GMA News