Tondo inferno

Some 100 families were left homeless after a pre-dawn fire struck a residential area, destroying 50 houses in Tondo, Manila.

Arson investigators said no one was seriously hurt in the fire. However, firefighter Eleazar Coloma suffered minor bruises from a falling wooden beam.

Manila Fire Department officer on case FO3 Emmanuel Gaspar said the fire started at two-story wooden house owned by one Edna Palarca at 229 Sgt. Mabagos street, Tondo at 1:47 a.m.

Responding firefighters placed the fire under control at 2:33 a.m. and put it out at 3:31 a.m.

Initial investigation showed that the area has had no electricity for several months now after residents failed to settle their bills. Investigators said it was most likely the fire was caused by an unattended candle.

Meanwhile, fire also hit a row of shanties on 11th street, Port Area, Manila at around 4:20 p.m.

No one was reported hurt in the blaze that destroyed some 20 shanties. The fire was quickly put out 30 minutes later as firefighters were able to respond immediately. – Cecille Suerte Felipe