1 dead as fire hits residential area in Quezon City

One person was killed after fire hit a cluster of houses under a flyover in Barangay Balonbato in Quezon City on Wednesday morning, a fire officer said in Allan Gatus' report on Dobol B TV.

The victim, an elderly woman, was earlier reported missing, said Quezon City Fire Marshall Aristotle Bañaga.

"Nakita na natin 'yung body, na-confirm na natin. Itinawag na natin sa SOCO 'yan para ma-process [We've found the body and were able to confirm. We've already contacted the Scene of the Crime Operatives for the processing of the body]," Bañaga said.

A report by GMA Integrated News' James Agustinon "Unang Balita" said the fire began a few minutes after 4 a.m. and was raised to fourth alarm by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officials.

The fire spread quickly as most of the houses in the area are made of light materials.

The residents tried to save their belongings while some helped firefighters put the fire under control.

The BFP has not yet to determine the number of houses affected, the cause of the fire, and cost of damage. -- BAP/KBK, GMA Integrated News