QC fires leave 165 families homeless

MANILA, Philippines - Some 165 families were left homeless by fires that razed two residential areas in Quezon City yesterday morning. 

City fire marshal Superintendent Jesus Fernandez said properties worth around P2 million were damaged in the two incidents.

Fernandez said the first fire started at past 10 a.m. at a three-story house occupied by “informal settler” Medardo Danib and his family.

The flames, which originated from the third floor, spread to 50 other houses, affecting 150 families, he said. The fire was put out around two hours later.

Fernandez said volunteer firefighter Leonardo Gabriel, 42, sustained abrasions on his right elbow and was taken to the Orthopedic Hospital.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that an electrical short circuit caused the fire.

Fernandez said some 15 families lost their homes when a fire hit a  two-story, 16-unit residential apartment in Barangay Socorro at past 10 a.m. and put under control just before noon.