Firefighters train their hoses on a residential area engulfed in flames in the Gasangan, Baseco Port Area, Manila on Saturday, May 30. The blaze reached the third alarm. (Photo taken by Mark Balmores/Manila Bulletin)
A fire that broke out in a residential area in Baseco Compound, Port Area, Manila, on Saturday, May 30, left one person dead and affected 85 families, according to a final report from the Baseco Satellite Office.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Emergency Alerts
The fire started at around 11:26 a.m. in Block 1 Dubai, Baseco Compound, Barangay 649, Zone 68, and quickly spread through closely built houses made of light materials. The blaze escalated to the third alarm before firefighters were able to contain it.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the fire was first raised to first alarm at 11:25 a.m., followed by second alarm at 11:26 a.m., and third alarm at 11:34 a.m. It was placed under control at 12:35 p.m. and declared out at 12:56 p.m.
A total of 340 individuals from 85 families were affected by the fire. Of the affected households, 61 homes were totally destroyed while 24 were partially damaged.
Authorities identified the lone fatality as 18-year-old Karim Montes Natividad, a resident of Block 1 Dubai No. 532. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters, assisted by residents, worked to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Mopping-up operations and damage assessment activities were ongoing as of posting time.