1 killed as fires hit Quezon City, Marikina

MANILA, Philippines - A welder died as fires broke out in Quezon City and Marikina since Sunday night.

Romulo Francia, 52, died when he was trapped in a two-story house, owned by Liza Manawag, in Barangay Apolonio Samson, Quezon City. Francia had been renting a room on the second floor.

The fire started at around 9:45 p.m. on the ground floor of the house owned by Richard Velasco. It was caused by a lighted candle that was left unattended during a blackout. Senior Fire Officer 2 Fortunato Alde said 100 families lost their homes before firefighters put out the blaze four hours later.

In Marikina, a two-hour fire gutted a warehouse in Barangay Sta. Elena and destroyed property estimated at P200,000.

The warehouse, owned by businesswoman Rosalina Honoras, was padlocked when the fire broke out at about 2:10 a.m., making it hard for responding firemen to battle the blaze. The fire reached the third alarm.

Strong winds spread the blaze to three adjacent commercial buildings.