The fire broke out on Sunday afternoon in a residential area in Tondo, Manila. It was raised to 2nd alarm before being declared fire out at around 4 p.m.
One of the victims, Alyssa Bataliño, said they saved almost nothing except for some documents. They also lost their pet dog because the fire spread so quickly. “The fire was so fast, we were panicked and didn't know what to do, then they immediately evacuated us. Back to zero, really,” Alyssa said.
According to the report, the fire started on the second floor of the house of Barangay Desk Officer Teresita Bulan. It started after a large plastic container with fire fell, causing her family to panic and immediately evacuate. Everything was burned, including their savings of P25,000 for the repair of her husband's sidecar, which they use for their livelihood.
Based on the barangay, it is estimated that more than 50 families or more than 10 houses are affected. “Because that house, many people live there, just room by room,” said Barangay Chairman Arturo Magtalas.
No injuries or fatalities were reported. The Bureau of Fire Protection is currently investigating the cause of the fire. For now, the victims are using old political posters as temporary mats while they take shelter in the barangay covered court.
