A fire gutted a residential area in Dulong Tangke St. in Malinta, Valenzuela City on Saturday afternoon, April 9.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Public Information Office said the blaze was raised to first alarm at 4:39 p.m. and reached second alarm at 5:27 p.m.
During the operations to contain the fire, Mayor Rex Gatchalian called the attention of Maynilad to increase the water pressure in the area to help the firefighters.
The BFP said that the fire was declared under control at around 9:05 a.m.
It was extinguished at around 4:05 a.m. on Sunday, April 10.
The local government opened three schools, Malinta National High School, Malinta Junior High School, and Malinta Elementary School, as evacuation centers for the affected families.
They also provided tents, comfort packs (e.g blankets and pillows) food packs and hygiene kits composed of underwear, t-shirt, shampoo and toothpaste to the residents.
In a Facebook live, Gatchalian said that they will ensure that the families are comfortable and fed in the evacuation centers, and the they will provide financial assistance for them.
The Valenzuela City Fire Station said around 400 houses were burned which affected around 900 families.
A 49-year-old man sustained a minor head injury and was given immediate medical attention.
Arson probers placed an estimated amount of P5 million damage to property.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of fire which was reported to originate at the second floor of a house in the area.