Fires hit QC, Muntinlupa

At least 45 families will be homeless this Christmas following two fires that hit Quezon City last Tuesday night.

Some 15 houses were razed in Barangay Holy Spirit along Commonwealth Avenue, leaving 30 families homeless while 15 families more were affected by another fire that hit an apartment along Natividad street near the corner of Del Monte and West Avenues.

The first fire began at around 5:17 p.m. at the house of a certain Ricardo Reyes located at 58 Sta. Maria street, Barangay Holy Spirit.

Arson investigators said the fire originated from the ceiling of the structure, but they have yet to determine the cause of the blaze that lasted until 8:19 p.m.

Firemen said that the fire quickly spread to nearby houses as narrow alleys hampered the fire trucks from getting closer to the affected area.

The fire reached Task Force Bravo.

Almost an hour later, fire hit an apartment with 10 to 15 bedrooms. The fire along Natividad street started at about 9:03 p.m. and was contained around 10:28 p.m.

Fire probers, however, could not determine the cause of the fire as some families refused to cooperate in the investigation.

No one was reported hurt on both fire incidents.

Meanwhile, at least 10 families were left homeless after a two-hour fire brokeout last Tuesday night in a residential area in Muntinlupa City.

Arson investigator SFO1 Desiderio Vasquez said the fire started at around 9:45 p.m. from the house of one William Davif at 142 Arandea street, Barangay Tunasan.

The fire that razed 10 houses and P5 million worth of property was put under control at exactly 10:50 p.m. It was declared out one hour later, Vasquez said.

He said they have to confirm reports that candles which children were playing with started the blaze.

"The victims have been temporarily relocated to the barangay complex while they rebuild their homes," he added. – Katherine Adraneda, Edu Punay