Fire hits over 50 houses, market stores in Port Area, Manila; fire-soaked rice sold at cheaper price

A fire gutted over 50 houses and market stores in Port Area, Manila, displacing around 150 families on Friday afternoon, March 14.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started in a residential area in Barangay 649 at 4:25 p.m. and quickly escalated to the second alarm at 4:29 p.m.
As the fire spread, it also engulfed nearby market stalls, including a rice store.
This caused several sacks of rice to get wet, which were later sold for P500 each, cheaper than their usual price, and quickly bought by residents.
Firefighters were able to put the fire out at around 6:51 p.m.
Authorities said no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Arson investigators are still determining the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to property.