At least 30 families were displaced in a fire that broke out along Jhocson Street in Barangay 456 Sampaloc, Manila, on Saturday morning, Jan. 18.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire started at around 5:06 a.m. on the second floor of a residential-commercial building.
The blaze quickly spread, prompting firefighters to raise the fire to the second alarm at 5:08 a.m. and then to the third alarm at 5:12 a.m. to mobilize additional water supplies.
Firefighters managed to finally extinguish the fire at 6:47 a.m.
Several students residing in nearby boarding houses were forced to evacuate due to the proximity of the fire to their living quarters.
The BFP launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and is assessing the extent of the damages.
The total number of families affected is still being verified, as the BFP continues to conduct a thorough assessment of the area.
Local authorities have responded at the area to provide hot meals to the fire victims.
BFP is still investigating the cause and extent of the fire damage.