Fire hits Ortigas building

A two-hour fire hit the 33rd floor of the Robinsons-Equitable PCIBank Tower at the Ortigas Center in Pasig yesterday, destroying property estimated at P1 million.

Fire investigators reported no casualties in the blaze that started at 6 a.m.

A CCTV operator had reported the fire after noticing black smoke coming out of the mechanical room of the 33rd floor.

Fire Inspector Roberto Samiliano Jr. said they had to use fire extinguishers and water hoses, carrying them to the 33rd floor because they had no ladder that could reach the source of the fire.

Among those destroyed by the blaze were air-conditioning units and blower systems.

"Fortunately, the fire was only confined to the area and did not spread to the offices and residential floors of the building," Samiliano said.

He said occupants of the residential areas at the lower part of the building were notified of the fire, but were not evacuated.

The fire reached the fifth alarm, prompting firefighters from Pasig City and nearby areas to respond to the scene.

The blaze was put under control two hours later.

Samiliano said they are still investigating the cause of the fire.

In Malate, Manila, a 15-minute fire razed a two-story house past noon yesterday.

The fire was put out immediately as a result of the prompt arrival of several firetrucks. No one was reported injured.

According to arson investigator SFO1 Manuel Gaspar, the fire started at about 1:43 p.m. at the second floor of a house at 2381 Opalo street, San Andres Bukid.

The house is owned by one Corazon Alonzo.

Neighbors said they first noticed thick smoke coming out from the second floor.

The fire, which reached the fifth alarm, was put out after 15 minutes.

Damage was placed at P50,000. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. – With Nestor Etolle