A fire hit the Manila Police District Headquarters' (MPDHQ) Crime Laboratory Office along U.N. Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 4.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire, which started at 9:45 a.m., was a result of chemical toluene that sparked and ignited during the inventory taking of evidence.
MPDHQ personnel present at the scene immediately attempted to subdue the blaze with fire extinguishers.
Several fire fighters led by Fire Inspector Luke Challongen also rushed to the scene.
The fire was declared under control at 10:15 a.m.
The report also said that after the flame had been controlled, smoke was still emanating from the hazardous materials inside the crime laboratory.
Investigation is still ongoing.