2 volunteer firefighters hurt in Tondo blaze

MANILA, Philippines — Two volunteer firefighters were injured while responding to a fire that broke out in Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila at past noon yesterday.

The fire started at around 12:11 p.m. and reached third alarm 13 minutes later before it was put out at 1:32 p.m., the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported.

The still unidentified volunteers, both residents of the compound, experienced difficulty breathing. A resident had punched one of the volunteers on the head, the BFP said.

Arson probers from BFP-Manila have yet to determine the number of houses affected by the fire and the cost of the fire damage.

Manila public information chief Princess Abante said the city government set up a temporary evacuation site for families affected by the fire.

“We have put up modular tents. The city provides hot meals as well. After the listing and verification, financial assistance can be prepared,” Abante said.