3 fires hit Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Three fires broke out in Manila since Monday night.

The first fire, which arson probers said was caused by a lit cigarette butt thrown into a garbage bin, destroyed seven houses along Kalayaan street in Malate at around 8:45 p.m. Monday.

The blaze left more than 14 families homeless and destroyed at least P60,000 worth of property before it was put out at around 11:18 p.m. No one was reported injured.

Fire Inspector Lowie Puno said they had a hard time getting to the affected houses because of the narrow roads.

The second fire, of still undetermined origin, broke out at the Gotesco Twin Towers at past noon yesterday.

The fire, which started at the fifth floor of Building B, reached second alarm before it was put under control at around 1:30 p.m., firefighters said. The floor was occupied by private firms.

At past 3 p.m. yesterday, a fire started at Globe Electronic Center’s store at the corner of Gonzalo Puyat street and Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo.

The fire caused a traffic gridlock that stretched from the Quiapo underpass to MacArthur Bridge for more than an hour as firetruck crews rushed to the scene.

It was put under control at around 4:23 p.m., officials said.