A fire in Natividad Street, Brgy. 81, Caloocan City on Wednesday afternoon caused severe damage to residents. Up to 70 families were left homeless after approximately 50 houses that were converted into 200–300 sub-units were destroyed.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the incident was immediately raised to second alarm and nearly 20 fire trucks responded. The fire was declared under control at 6 p.m.. One of the possible causes of the fire was illegal electrical connection, according to initial investigation.
There were four injured, including a fire volunteer who was electrocuted, while two residents were reported missing. One of them was a 16-year-old girl, according to her mother who had been searching for her daughter for some time.
Affected families will be temporarily evacuated to a church and three covered courts while BFP rescue and mopping-up operations continue. Officials also reminded residents to be especially careful in crowded areas with illegal settlers, as such incidents are usually caused by electricity overloading.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing while hoping that the missing are safe.
