2 hurt in plastics factory fire

MANILA, Philippines - Two workers were injured after a fire of still undetermined origin razed a plastics furniture factory in Valenzuela City early yesterday.

Ten hours after the fire broke out at past 4 a.m., the fire continued to rage, despite assurances by the local fire authorities that the blaze has been put under control. Firefighters said they lacked the appropriate chemicals to put out the fire.

City fire marshal Superintendent Agapito Nacario said Eduardo Tambuso and Dexter Lamlen, workers of Uniware Plastics Co., suffered second-degree burns and were treated by Red Cross volunteers who rushed to the site.

Tambuso told arson investigators that the fire was caused by a Manila Electric Co. transformer that exploded in the factory premises. He said three vehicles near the power post quickly caught fire.

A firefighter who requested anonymity said they got help from Quezon City firefighters, who had enough of the “dry chemical” to help put out the fire. He said there is a chronic lack of the chemical in most firefighting units.

At least 25 firetrucks from nearby cities and volunteer fire brigades responded to the fire but most were helpless because they only had water to put out the fire.

Nacario said they tried what they could to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby houses. The factory is located in a residential village. He said they are conducting their own investigation despite Tambuso’s claim.