In a devastating incident on Tuesday, December 20, 2023, or five (5) days before Christmas, a fierce blaze ravaged a residential area on Capulong Street in Tondo, Manila, forcing 1,000 families to evacuate. The valiant efforts of Fire Officer 1 Philip Chua were notable, as he sustained minor injuries, including lacerations, while battling the flames.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region (BFP-NCR), the fire erupted around 9:00 PM, swiftly engulfing approximately 200 houses. By 11:02 PM, the intensity escalated to a 5th alarm, prompting the deployment of 20 firetrucks to the scene to combat the inferno.

After hours of relentless effort, the fire was successfully extinguished by 2:07 AM on Wednesday. The estimated cost of damages, as reported by BFP-NCR, amounts to P1.5 Million.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in the wake of such disasters.

(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/IAmigo/MNM)

Photo Courtesy of Mayor Chan

Text and video by Junex Doronio

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — In just two successive days, four were reported killed and 20,000 individuals were rendered homeless in two separate fire incidents that hit this city.

Firefighters told Maharlika NuMedia that an estimated 20,000 individuals were affected by the fire that gutted around 600 houses of light materials in Sitio Sta. Maria, Barangay Pusok on Tuesday afternoon (December 12, 2023), right behind the Island Central Mall (with video).

The urban poor community went ablaze for more than two hours and was declared under control around 3:45 p.m.

No fatality was reported, unlike the fire that hit Barangay Babag II on Monday afternoon, December 11.

Killed in a fire that burned down a firecracker factory following an explosion in Purok Judas Belt, Barangay Babag II, were identified as Chito Berdin, the owner of Chito’s Fireworks; his daughter Gwendolyn Berdin Lucero, 31; and their production workers Kristian Monsanto, 34, and Argie Escobia, 30.

Eight-year-old John Raniel Berdin, Justin Yonas, 24, and Jeff Resonable, 20, suffered third-degree burns.

Others injured were Maria Johanna Berdin and two others who have not been named yet.

They have all been brought to the hospital for immediate medical attention.

(ai/mnm)

MANILA — A devastating fire erupted at Happyland in Tondo, this city on Tuesday (December 12, 2023), resulting in the displacement of 250 families and causing injuries to two individuals, as reported by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The injured parties were identified as 16-year-old Jessie Diestro and 21-year-old Christian Gracio, the latter being a fire volunteer. Fortunately, both victims sustained only minor injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

The blaze engulfed over 100 houses, prompting the temporary relocation of the affected families to a covered court in Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila. The fire escalated to Task Force Alpha at 4:16 AM, but by 6:23 AM, the situation was brought under control. The flames were successfully extinguished by 6:57 AM.

Our thoughts are with the affected families during this challenging time.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

A devastating early morning fire on Sunday (5 November 2023) destroyed at least 20 houses in Quezon City, firefighters said.

The incident occurred in the residential area of Kaingin Bukid, specifically in Brgy. Apolonio Samson. Some of the affected residents sought temporary shelter at a nearby compound.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded swiftly, raising the third alarm at approximately 8:30 in the early morning Sunday. Fortunately, by 10:01, the fire was successfully brought under control.

Tragically, the blaze resulted in injuries to several individuals. Among the victims were a 22-year-old firefighter volunteer named Jhon Rey Decano and two female residents: Mary Grace Bermil, 28 years old, and Cristina Pascual, 47 years old.

The Bureau of Fire Protection has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

(Report and photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

A very intense Valenzuela City warehouse fire has escalated to Task Force Alpha, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fighting the blaze said Thursday.

High as the intensity of the inferno that engulfed the warehouse along G. Molino St. Bagbaguin, Valenzuela City, prompted the declaration of Task Force Alpha, which is equivalent to the sixth alarm.

This announcement was made at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, with 25 firetrucks actively engaged in combating the fire.

BFP personnel have identified the warehouse as belonging to Herco Trading, serving as a distribution depot for Handy Man and Lazada.

The fire originally ignited at approximately 12:30 p.m. By 12:32 p.m., the second alarm was sounded, and within twenty minutes, at 12:52 p.m., the fire had rapidly spread, necessitating the raising of alarms to the fourth and fifth levels.

As of this current update on Thursday, the BFP has not yet declared the fire to be under control.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)