46 houses razed in fire under Culiat Bridge II in QC
By Trixee Rosel
Published Jul 11, 2026 10:30 pm
Flames are seen from a residential area beneath a bridge along Congressional Avenue in Barangay Ramon Magsaysay, Quezon City on Saturday night, July 11 (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Emergency Alerts)
A fire gutted 46 houses under Culiat Bridge II along Congressional Avenue in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City on Saturday night, July 11, prompting authorities to raise the blaze to fourth alarm.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire was reported at 9:49 p.m. and was raised to first alarm at 9:51 p.m., second alarm at 10:05 p.m., third alarm at 10:15 p.m., and fourth alarm at 10:34 p.m. It was declared under control at 10:56 p.m. before it was completely extinguished at 11:26 p.m.
Fire Senior Inspector Rodrigo Delos Santos, commander of the BFP Quezon City Fire Station 1, said the fire reached fourth alarm because it occurred under Culiat Bridge II, a vital installation where informal settler families were living.
Initial investigation showed that the fire started in a single-story house occupied by an informal settler family under the bridge, although authorities have yet to determine its exact cause.
No deaths or civilian injuries were reported, but one firefighter experienced difficulty breathing while positioning and responding to the blaze. A total of 37 fire trucks and four ambulances responded to the incident.
Residents said the fire spread rapidly through the community, leaving many with little time to save their belongings as thick smoke engulfed the area.
Several families escaped safely but lost their homes, important documents, clothing, and other personal belongings despite efforts by residents to help contain the flames. Many of the affected families also appealed for assistance after being left without shelter and basic necessities.
Thin white smoke continued to rise from the affected area on Sunday morning, July 12, while the Congressional Avenue Bridge remained closed to traffic in both directions as of before 6 a.m. after portions of the structure reportedly lifted due to the fire.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.