2 hurt in Pasig fire

Two people were hurt and some P3 million in property was destroyed in a two-hour fire that hit a squatters’ area in Pasig City yesterday.

At least 30 houses were razed and 50 families were rendered homeless.

Toto Andrades and his wife, Liza sustained burns in the face and body while trying to save their belongings.

They are now being treated at the Regina Hospital.

Initial investigation showed that the fire started at the house of the Andrades couple at Sitio Animales in Barangay Santolan at about 2:07 a.m. yesterday. "Natumba ang gasera na ginagamit ng pamilya at hindi nila kaagad namalayan ang sunog," an arson investigator said.

Strong winds fanned the fire toward adjacent houses also made of light materials.

The entire neighborhood tried to fight the blaze with pails of water but failed, the arson prober added.

Firemen from Pasig City and its nearby towns and cities arrived, but failed to get close to the fire scene because of narrow streets.

The fire reached the Task Force Bravo and was put under control two hours later.

The local government of Pasig City is currently taking care of the affected families, which have been given temporary shelter at a compound in Barangay Santolan. – Non Alquitran