35 houses destroyed in Caloocan City fire

At least 35 houses were burned when a fire broke out in a densely populated area before dawn yesterday in Caloocan City.

Fire Officer 2 Alex de los Trinos said arson investigators estimated the damage to properties of the two-hour blaze to P10 million.

According to Trinos, the fire started at around 3:48 a.m. at the second floor of Jun Beltran’s apartment at 51 Esguerra st., Barangay Bisig ng Kabataan, Caloocan City.

The flame swiftly engulfed the Beltrans’ residence and spread to adjacent houses.

Fanned by strong winds, the fire leaped through M. Dizon st. and also gutted several houses there.

"The area is thickly populated and the houses were made up mostly of light materials contributing to the quick spread of the fire," Trino told The STAR.

The blaze reached Task Force Delta and destroyed 35 houses before firefighters from Caloocan City and neighboring localities put it out at around 5:57 a.m.

"Arson probers are still trying to establish the cause of the fire," Trinos said. No one was reported hurt in the two-hour blaze. — Pete laude