About 1,000 houses were destroyed and 2,000 families were left homeless in a massive fire in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila on Sunday, Nov. 24.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire reached the first alarm at 8:02 a.m. and was immediately raised to the second alarm at 8:05 a.m.
Firefighters said they were experiencing water shortage so they raised it to the fourth and fifth alarm at 8:16 a.m.
It was eventually elevated to Task Force Alpha at 9:02 a.m. and Task Force Bravo at 10:13 a.m.
At 11:55 a.m., the BFP said the fire had reached Task Force Charlie. It fire was finally extinguished at 4:07 p.m.
At least 71 fire trucks, four fire boats, and three ambulances responded to the fire incident.
Three helicopters of the Philippine Air Force with helibuckets also joined the firefighters in containing the fire.
Fire responders said the houses affected were made of light materials.
The affected area is adjacent to the container terminal of the Port Area.
The motorists were advised to take alternate routes to give way for the incoming firetrucks.
The Coast Guard Station (CGS) Manila, CGS Malacañang, and Special Operations Unit (SOU) - Malacañang, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), are helping in the firefighting and rescue operations onboard two fire boats.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan visited the fire victims and ordered the city council to declare the affected area under a state of calamity.
Read story: https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/23/manila-to-declare-state-of-calamity-due-to-massive-fire-in-tondo
She also led the distribution of hot meals and modular tents to the 3,000 evacuees at Delpan Center.
Several agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) also arrived at the scene to provide aid to the families affected.
