Fire destroys paint factory

MANILA, Philippines - A fire of still undetermined origin broke out at a paint factory in Valenzuela City shortly before noon yesterday, causing traffic along MacArthur Highway to slow to a crawl.

City fire marshal Superintendent Agapito Nacario said the fire broke out at 11:29 a.m. at the Metro Shikiso Chemicals building on R. Delfin street in Barangay Marulas just after the Tullahan Bridge on MacArthur Highway going north.

Nacario added no one was reported hurt in the fire.

Fire Officer 2 George de Guia told The STAR it was difficult to put out the fire because the fire ignited chemicals used to manufacture paint.

As of press time, the fire continued to rage despite efforts by firemen from volunteer brigades and neighboring cities.

Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said the houses of 28 families were damaged by the fire.

City information chief Marither Menia told The STAR the city’s social welfare office has set up a soup kitchen, distributed potable water and clothes.