Fire leaves 2,000 families homeless in Mandaluyong

Firefighters had a hard time penetrating the compound because of the narrow alleys. #AdditionHillsfire

The fire gutted at least 7,000 homes. (PNRC)

At least 2,000 families were left homeless after a nine-hour fire hit a residential area in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City on Friday afternoon.

Senior Inspector Joscar Bongalon, spokesperson of the city fire department, said the fire which started at about 3:13 p.m. reached Task Force Alpha before it was declared under control at around 9:58 p.m.

The fire was put out at around 11:44 p.m.

The fire gutted at least 7,000 homes. Thirteen people have also been reported injured, including those who had difficulty in breathing due to thick smoke.

Bongalon said firefighters had a hard time penetrating the compound because of the narrow alleys there.

Affected residents temporarily sheltered at nearby covered courts designated as evacuation sites by the city government.

Initial investigation showed the fire may have started at the rented apartment of Marie Biada.

Investigators have yet to determine how the fire started.

This barangay (village), a huge slum area in Mandaluyong City, was also razed by fire in 2007, 2008, 2016, 2018, and in February this year.