Fire hits Valenzuela; 3 dead

MANILA, Philippines — Three people died in a fire that swept through a residential area in Barangay Malinta on Saturday afternoon.

The remains of the victims were recovered hours after the blaze was contained, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

In a report, the BFP said the fire started at around 12 p.m. and quickly spread due to strong winds. 

The BFP raised a second alarm, deploying six fire trucks and ambulances to the site.

According to one of the survivors, four of them tried to escape, but only he made it out.

The other three were trapped in the fire.

According to initial investigation, the fire started in a garbage disposal area before spreading to nearby homes.

Authorities reported that 26 families were displaced by the fire.

Arson probers said the cause of the fire and cost of damage remain under investigation.