Thick smoke billows from Olympic Heights Tower 3 in Barangay Bagumbayan, Quezon City, during a fire on Thursday morning, June 18. (Photo courtesy of Aileen Caspillo-Nunag)
A fire broke out at a condominium in Barangay Bagumbayan, Quezon City, on Thursday morning, June 18, trapping about 20 residents before all were safely rescued.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze started at 6:53 a.m. as a rubbish fire and escalated to third alarm as thick smoke rapidly filled the building, prompting a large-scale evacuation and rescue response.
Fire Senior Supt. Roberto Samillano Jr., District Fire Marshal of the Quezon City Fire District, said the blaze was brought under control at 9:28 a.m. and declared out at 10:07 a.m.
Authorities confirmed that all residents who were initially reported trapped were safely brought out as firefighting and clearing operations progressed.
A resident identified as Aileen Caspillo-Nunag said the fire appeared to have started from the lower portion of the building, particularly in the condominium’s garbage storage area.
A female resident suffered head bruises after hitting it while evacuating amid heavy smoke and panic.
She was brought to Quirino Memorial Medical Center for further evaluation.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) deployed additional ambulances to assist residents who experienced smoke inhalation.
Authorities continue to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of damage as monitoring, inspection, and investigation operations remain ongoing.