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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Limited water, live wires hamper Malate fire response; 600 displaced

Limited water, live wires hamper Malate fire response; 600 displaced

Published Aug 12, 2026 10:14 am
Firefighters battle a blaze in Malate, Manila, early Wednesday, as limited water supply and fallen live wires hampered efforts to contain the fire that razed 150 homes and displaced more than 600 residents. (Photo courtessy of MDRRMO)
Firefighters battle a blaze in Malate, Manila, early Wednesday, as limited water supply and fallen live wires hampered efforts to contain the fire that razed 150 homes and displaced more than 600 residents. (Photo courtessy of MDRRMO)

Limited water supply and fallen electrical cables complicated firefighting operations as a blaze tore through a densely packed residential area in Malate, Manila, early Wednesday, Aug. 12, destroying at least 150 houses and affecting more than 600 people.

The fire broke out at around1:10 a.m. along Arellano Street in Barangay 739 and quickly escalated, reaching the fourth alarm at 1:41 a.m., according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 3:44 a.m. after deploying 72 fire trucks to the area.

The BFP said crews encountered water-supply problems during the operation.

Some hydrants were located far from the fire scene, while others had weak water pressure, forcing firefighters to conduct fire-running operations to bring water closer to the affected areas.

Fallen electrical cables also restricted access to portions of the fire scene.

Firefighters had to avoid areas where wires had snapped and fallen because of the risk of live electricity.
The blaze swept through closely built homes, leaving around 200 families, or more than 600 individuals, affected.

Residents said the fire spread quickly, with some awakened by neighbors shouting warnings.

Initial accounts from residents also pointed to the fourth floor of a rental property as the possible starting point, although the BFP has yet to establish the cause.

Some residents said they were unable to retrieve most of their belongings before the flames reached their homes.

The BFP is continuing its investigation into the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.

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