Fire hits Makati building

MANILA, Philippines - A fire broke out on the third floor of the 30-floor Equitable Bank building on Paseo de Roxas street in Makati City’s central business district yesterday morning.

The fire started at the electrical room at past 10 a.m. and reached first alarm before it was put out less than 30 minutes later, city fire chief Ricardo Perdigon said.

Perdigon said a woman was rushed to the hospital after suffering an asthma attack as the building’s occupants were being evacuated. Another man was assisted by paramedics after suffering from hypertension.

Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire and the cost of damages, he said.