Fire leaves 150 families homeless

It took firefighters more than four hours to contain a blaze which razed an entire neighborhood block and left at least 150 families homeless in Sta. Ana, Manila yesterday.

Initial investigation showed the fire started at a house along Orchid street in Punta, Sta. Ana at around 10:48 a.m. The fire quickly spread to neighboring houses made of light materials.

According to Manila Fire Department chief Superintendent Pablito Cordeta, the narrow streets hampered the firemen’s effort to get to fire on time.

"Masyadong makikitid ang daan. Di makapasok ang mga firetrucks natin," Cordeta said.

Witnesses said at least seven people were hurt, mostly by flying embers. Others fell while trying to put out the fire on the roof of their homes.

One fireman was also hurt while fighting the blaze.

Cordeta said at least 30 high-rise residences were damaged, while some 150 families lost their homes.

The fire reached the fifth alarm before it was finally placed under control at around 2:17 p.m.

Damage to property could reach P3 million, Cordeta said. The cause of the fire is still being determined. – Nestor Etolle