300 families lose homes, 2 hurt in Tondo fire

Around 300 families lost their homes while two were injured in a fire that hit a residential area in Tondo, Manila Tuesday evening.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Wednesday, the fire in Barangay 95, Zone 8 in Tondo took over 3 hours to control.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region said P1.5 million worth of properties and 200 houses were destroyed or damaged. About 1,000 people were affected by the blaze.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region is still investigating the cause of the fire.

It added based on information from Barangay Chairman Ronald Lee, around 100 houses were destroyed in the fire.

A fire officer sustained a minor laceration on his right palm while a 75-year old resident suffered a superficial burn on her right foot.

The BFP-NCR said the fire started around 9 p.m. and reached fifth alarm at 11:02 p.m. Firefighters finally extinguished it at 2:07 a.m.

Meanwhile, some citizens took the initiative to save others during the fire.

“Biglang naano ko po na may umuusok eh. Hinila ko agad ang kapatid ko na may epilepsy para makalabas ng bahay tsaka aking lola. Tinawag ko mga pinsan, pinakarga ko lola ko kasi putol na po paa noon,” said victim Jacqueline Romero.

(I just realized that there was smoke. I immediately grabbed my epileptic sibling and grandmother so we can leave the house. I called my cousin to carry my grandmother since she is an amputee.)

Looting incidents were also reported following the fire.

“Nasunugan kami, nanakawan pa. Ayan washing [machine] namin, rice cooker… ninakaw pati aircon namin,” said victim Helen Bermoy.

(We were already victims of a fire, and now also theft. Our washing [machine], rice cooker... they even stole our aircon.)

In the middle of the response, residents also reported that the BFP-NCR ran out of water while responding to the incident.

“Ang nangyari nag water relay tayo. Medyo mahina ang hydrant kaya nagtaas tayo ng alarma para ang responders natin, both BFP and volunteers, magdagdag ng supply,” said BFP Manila Fire Senior Superintendent Cristine Cula.

(We used a water relay. The water pressure in the hydrant was weak, so we raised the alarm in order for our BFP and volunteer responders to bring additional water supply.)

Affected residents are now temporarily housed at the Barangay Basketball Court.

—AOL, GMA Integrated News