Fire destroys 20 houses in Munti

An estimated P5 million worth of properties went up in smoke after a fire razed 20 houses in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City yesterday morning.

Fire Officer 3 Gerry Bolante of the Muntinlupa Fire Department, said the fire began at the second floor of a house owned by Lorenzo and Leonila Umali on Sto. Niño street in Purok Tres.

The fire, which broke out at around 9:30 a.m., reached  fourth alarm. Firefighters reportedly had difficulty getting their firetrucks to the scene because of the narrow streets. Officials also said that strong winds had caused the fire to spread rapidly.

The fire was put out at around 11:10 a.m. Though there were no reports of injuries or deaths, the fire rendered 30 families homeless as it blazed through a string of 20 houses.

The displaced families are now temporarily being housed at the Muntinlupa Elementary School. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire. – Rhodina Villanueva