Flames engulf Residencias de Manila Building 1 in Pandacan, Manila. (Photos courtesy of Daniele Guada and Rector Fire Engine)
Two separate fires, both reaching the third alarm, broke out in Paco and Tondo, Manila, before dawn on Wednesday, July 29, prompting a massive response from firefighters and volunteer fire brigades.
The first fire broke out at Building 1 of Residencias de Manila in Paco at around 3:40 a.m.
The blaze allegedly started on the upper floors of the building, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the flames.
The fire reached the 1st Alarm at 3:48 a.m., the 2nd Alarm at 3:54 a.m., and the 3rd Alarm at 4:37 a.m.
Fire suppression operations were ongoing as of posting.
The nearby Carlos P. Garcia High School also suspended classes on Wednesday due to the fire incident.
The fire also caused traffic to build up early along Mabini Bridge, as motorists and commuters passing through the area were affected by the ongoing firefighting operations.
It was extuingished around 9:05 a.m., nearly five and a half hours after it was first reported.
Several units in the building were affected by the blaze, while all residents were safely rescued and evacuated. No casualties were reported.
The Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD) also deployed drone thermal imaging technology, part of its Geographic Information System (GIS), to help responders assess the extent of the fire and identify areas of intense heat despite thick smoke.
Meanwhile, another fire broke out at Dagupan Extension in Tondo at around 4:09 a.m., also reaching the 3rd Alarm at 4:47 a.m.
Residents were seen salvaging whatever belongings they could from their homes as firefighters worked to put out the blaze at Dagupan Extension.
Firefighters managed to bring the Tondo blaze under control at 5:13 a.m. and declared it out at 5:30 a.m.
The Manila Fire District and volunteer fire brigades responded to both incidents.
Authorities have yet to release details on the cause of the fires, as well as any reported casualties or the extent of property damage.