The Manila City government, through the Manila Department of Social Welfare, continues to extend assistance to residents affected by the recent fire that hit Barangays 163 and 152 in Tondo on July 14.

MDSW personnel distribute hot meals to residents displaced by the 5th-alarm fire in Barangays 163 and 152, Tondo, Manila, as part of the city government’s ongoing relief operations. (Photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office)

The blaze, which started at around 4:03 p.m. and was declared out at 7:16 p.m., reached the fifth alarm and tore through a densely populated residential area, destroying hundreds of homes and displacing more than 1,000 families at the height of the incident.

Based on the final report from District Welfare Office II, a total of 321 houses were affected, including 272 that were completely burned and 49 that were partially damaged, highlighting the extent of destruction caused by the fast-spreading fire.

Authorities said 311 families or 1,190 individuals were affected in Barangay 163, while 10 families or 41 individuals were recorded in Barangay 152, many of whom were forced to evacuate as flames engulfed their homes.

In response, the Manila Department of Social Welfare immediately distributed hot meals to displaced residents shortly after the incident.

Local officials said further assistance and monitoring will continue in the coming days to ensure that all affected residents receive necessary aid.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.