200 families lose homes in fire in Brgy. Culiat, QC

Around 200 families or 1,000 individuals lost their homes in a huge fire that broke out in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City on Tuesday night.

The fire started past 7 p.m., according to a report by EJ Gomez on Unang Balita on Wednesday.

Since the houses were made of light materials and were built close to each other, the fire quickly spread.

Some electrical transformers and posts were also affected.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire reached the fifth alarm, which required at least 100 fire trucks.

The BFP said they were able to prevent the fire from further destroying the transformers. Water supply was also not a problem.

However, the firemen had difficulty reaching the area due to the narrow passageways.

Firemen also had to use self-breathing apparatus due to the heavy smoke.

Many residents were not able to save any of their belongings.

One family was holding a wake for their relative and had to bring out the coffin.

Affected residents temporarily sought shelter at the evacuation center of the barangay.

The BFP is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and estimated cost of property damage. —KG, GMA Integrated News