Fire razes 20 homes in Binondo

Despite rains, a two-hour fire, reportedly caused by a leaking gas stove, razed some 20 houses in Binondo, Manila at noon yesterday.

The three-story house of actor-turned-Manila Councilor Yul Servo was also partially gutted by fire, according to fire officials.

The fire reportedly started at the kitchen of a two-story house owned by one Roberto Iroga at 330 C.M. Recto Avenue, Binondo at around 10 a.m. “The maid reportedly noticed a leaking gas from the stove, but panicked when the fire grew big,” arson investigator SFO2 Wilson Tana said.

Rains failed to extinguish the fire which reached Task Force Alpha alarm. The third floor of Servo’s house was also licked by fire.

Tana said three persons were injured due to falling debris from the burning houses. They were identified as Armando Figueroa, 51; Mauricio Vermin, 63; and Cris Gatchalian, 25. They suffered lacerations in their heads and bodies.

The fire was put out past 12 noon. Damage to property was placed at P1.5 million.    – Nestor Etolle