Fire engulfs houses along Everlasting Street in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City, early Wednesday, May 13. (Photo courtesy of Zebania Zion)
A 52-year-old man died from smoke inhalation while helping extinguish a fire that gutted his brother’s house in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City, early Wednesday, May 13.
He was rushed to a hospital by the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) but was declared dead on arrival due to severe smoke inhalation sustained during the blaze.
The fire broke out along Everlasting Street shortly after 1 a.m. and quickly spread through closely packed residential houses, prompting authorities to raise the alarm level within minutes as flames intensified.
Fire response records showed the incident was reported at 1:55 a.m., raised to first alarm at 1:57 a.m., escalated to second alarm, and reached third alarm by 2:06 a.m.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze was placed under control at 3:04 a.m. and declared fire out at 3:13 a.m.
The fire struck an informal settler and densely populated residential area, where tightly packed structures contributed to the rapid spread of flames and forced residents to evacuate as multiple fire stations responded.
At least 15 houses were confirmed destroyed, affecting around 25 families in the community.
The Philippine Red Cross deployed Ambulance 2037 for medical standby and Fire Truck Engine 1 for firefighting support operations.
A 23-year-old man sustained a wound on his right palm and was treated on-site through wound cleaning and dressing.
Engine 1 also assisted in water supply operations at the Bureau of Fire Protection Incident Command Post before returning to base.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and are assessing the full extent of damage in the affected area.