Separate blazes raze metro residential areas

Separate fires hit densely populated residential areas in Makati City and Manila on Sunday, damaging dozens of homes, though no casualties were immediately reported.

A fire broke out in a residential area on Marconi Street in Barangay San Isidro, Makati City, shortly before dawn Sunday.

Residents were reportedly awakened by the smell of smoke around 3 a.m. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the alarm to the second level before officially declaring the fire extinguished past 5 a.m.

The BFP reported that about 20 houses constructed primarily of light materials were damaged. No one was hurt in the incident.

Buildings immediately adjacent to the affected area were protected by fire walls and sustained no damage.

While the BFP is still investigating the cause, early reports suggested the fire may have been sparked by a stove left unattended by a resident. The agency advised the public to be cautious with the use of appliances to prevent future fires.

Separately, a fire erupted in a row of houses in Barangay 822, Paco, Manila, around 12:03 p.m. Sunday.

According to the BFP-Manila, the fire was immediately raised to the first alarm and consumed an estimated 20 houses.

Barangay Councilor Jay John Espano said the small, multi-story houses, made mostly of light materials, were closely packed, allowing the fire to spread rapidly.

He estimated that 20 to 30 houses were burned, affecting roughly 100 families.

Residents, like Kenneth Cuaderes, reported losing everything, including clothes and important documents. Cuaderes said he and his wife, who was supposed to start a new job on Tuesday, lost all her work endorsements and requirements, leaving them unsure how to restart their lives.

Another resident identified as Lourdes Pascual, expressed shock that her family’s house was damaged, noting that the fire had never reached their home during previous incidents in the compound.

The BFP confirmed no fatalities or injuries were recorded in the Manila fire. Victims are being temporarily housed at a local covered court.

Meanwhile, a fire also broke out Saturday night in a residential area along Zapote Street in Barangay Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City.

The blaze, which began around 9 p.m., was reported to be under control by midnight. Authorities have yet to report on possible injuries or provide damage estimates for the Caloocan incident.