Fire razes homes of 80 families in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City

Around 80 families were rendered homeless by a fire that struck Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City on early Monday morning.

In a “24 Oras” report by James Agustin, the fire in Upper Nawasa was said to have been started by a lighted candle because there was no electricity at the time prior to the incident.

Enraged residents mauled the man they claim to have been responsible for the blaze that consumed 50 houses. The man was later brought to a nearby police station for questioning.


Shirley Cuya, one of the victims, said the fire left her family with nothing for Christmas after it destroyed all of their belongings. Despite the shock at being roused from a sound sleep by rapidly closing flames, she said all 10 of her grandchildren were safe.

 

Her neighbor, Rose Casino, was also barely able to save some belongings and suffered bruises on her right arm.

 

“This is very difficult. It’s almost Christmas and we don’t know how we can start again,” Rose said.

 

Due to the light materials used in the construction of the closely-packed houses, the fire quickly spread.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the incident reached the 3rd alarm. It was shortly before 7 a.m. when the fire was put out.

Some residents had to use makeshift stairs to climb the wall to an adjoining subdivision or walk across roofs in order to escape.


Fire Inspector Belmore Bringas Jr., QC-BFP Station 2 commander, said firefighters had trouble extinguishing the fire because of the narrow alleys and the low water pressure for their hoses.—RF, GMA Integrated News