Fire hits SM store in Makati

Fire hit the SM Department Store in Makati City the other night, damaging a portion of the third floor. No injuries were reported.

Makati City Fire Marshall Superintendent Arsenio Tabajonda said the fire started at 10 p.m. inside the luggage stock room. The fire was easily controlled and contained, thanks in large part to the sprinkler system.

With the help of new breathing apparatus, Makati Fire Department personnel were able to penetrate the third floor and put out of the fire.

According to Tabajonda, the fire was most likely cause by a short circuit at the stock room.

SM management commended the Makati Fire Department for their quick response.

"The swift action of fire Chief Tabajonda and his firefighters helped avert what could have been a bigger blaze," SM said in a statement. "Damage by the fire was minimal, although soot and water damage occurred in the process."

The company also commended Mayor Jejomar Binay, who was at the scene managing the situation. The store will reopen today, SM said. – Marvin Sy