By Richielyn Canlas
A fire hit a hotel in Malate, Manila on Sunday morning, July 2, causing over 700 employees and guests to temporarily evacuate the hotel's premises.
(Juan Carlo De Vela / MANILA BULLETIN)
Based on the Manila Police District (MPD) Ermita Police Station (PS5) report, the fire started at around 8:20 a.m. and was still under monitoring until 8:40 a.m.
It was put under control at 9:10 a.m. and was extinguished at 9:21 a.m.
Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) Assistant Communication Officer Rommel Allada told Manila Bulletin that they recorded 153 employees and 642 guests (471 foreigners, and 171 locals) who were evacuated.
Allada said that the evacuees were let back in the hotel an hour after the fire was declared out by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Two people were hurt during the incident, he said - a 44-year-old woman whose foot swelled; and a man who was treated by the DRRMO for smoke inhilation.
The fire reportedly broke out on the second floor of the hotel located along Roxas Boulevard, corner J. Quintos Street in Malate, Manila, said the DRRMO.
According to the MPD PS5, the fire involved a sauna machine on the second floor.
The cost of the damage and the cause of the fire are still under investigation.