Around 20 houses were razed by a fire in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City near the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage on the eve of Fire Prevention Month on Thursday, Feb. 29.
A personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)- Antipolo City told the Manila Bulletin that the blaze destroyed around 20 houses situated on Dela Paz Street in Barangay San Jose.
The BFP said the fire was reported to the station at around 5:03 p.m. and was declared fire out at 5:30 p.m.
Sounds of the siren from the responding firetrucks interrupted the 5 p.m. Holy Mass at the shrine.
Fr. Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector and administrator, told the Manila Bulletin that the fire happened some two streets away from the cathedral.
A netizen was able to take a picture of the shrine with smoke on its background.
Photo shows the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage with thick smoke
The BFP said the investigation on the cause of the fire and estimated damage to property was still ongoing.
The Antipolo fire incident happened a few hours before the official start of the Fire Prevention Month.
Fire engulfs a sari-sari store on Dela Paz Street in Barangay San Jose in Antipolo City (Photo courtesy of Cristofer Magpusao of Barangay San Roque Fire and Rescue)