Fires leave 84 families in QC, Pasig homeless

MANILA, Philippines - Two fires left at least 84 families in Quezon City and Pasig homeless before dawn yesterday.

The first fire broke out in Barangay San Vicente, Quezon City at around 1 a.m., according to city fire marshal Superintendent Jesus Fernandez.

The fire was caused by a unattended lit candle in the living room of 22-year-old Jimmy Rita Rojas’ house on Lourdes street, he said.

The blaze spread to adjacent houses, reaching fourth alarm and destroying P150,000 worth of property before it was put out at around 2:30 a.m.

No one was reported injured or killed, Fernandez said.

The affected families are being sheltered in the barangay’s evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, a fire of unknown origin razed at least 20 houses, leaving at least 40 families homeless, in Barangay Rosario, Pasig City.

The blaze started at the Rodriguez compound at around 5:15 a.m., destroying at least P1 million worth of property and reaching the first alarm before it was put out at around 6:30 a.m.

The affected families were given shelter at the barangay hall. – Robertzon Ramirez, Non Alquitran