Manila fire at Marina now on 2nd day, resumes after 5-hour lull

After a deceptive lull of less than five hours, the fire that hit a seven-story building housing the office of the Maritime Industry Authority in Manila entered its second day Thursday. Radio dzBB reported Thursday morning that both the Manila Fire Department and the Marina blamed each other for the major fire, which was declared out before midnight but "resumed" at 4 a.m. Firefighters had declared the fire at the Philippine President Lines (PPL) building, which reached the general alarm, out at 11:52 p.m., more than 19 hours after it started. But shortly past 4 a.m., flames were seen licking at the building again, this time at the seventh floor. Traffic remained closed at some portions of the roads near the corner of United Nations Avenue and San Marcelino Street, where the building is located. As of 7 a.m., firefighters were using chemicals to put out the fire. But the fire also prompted a word war of sorts between Marina administrator Vicente Suazo Jr. and Manila fire marshal Sr. Supt. Pablito Cordeta. Suazo said he was "dismayed" with the fire department for failing to respond properly. He said the fire destroyed much of Marina's records, including the seaman's book. He said the firemen will have to prioritize departing seamen with complete documents. On the other hand, Cordeta said there were so many documents inside the Marina offices and warehouse inside the building, which could have fed the flames. The fire started at 4:10 a.m. Wednesday and initially gutted the fifth floor of the Philippine President Lines building at the corner of United Nations Avenue and San Marcelino Streets. Traffic near the area was snarled as firefighters were forced to close portions of United Nations Avenue, where the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters is located. At least three firefighters were almost trapped in the building, and were rescued through an aerial ladder. - GMANews.TV