3 fires break out in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Fires broke out in three areas in Manila, destroying a 20-story building and a barangay hall, on Monday night.

A fire struck the eighth floor of the Ritz Royal Tower, said to be occupied by a Chinese national, along Camba street in Binondo, according to a report from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The BFP raised first alarm at 9:33 p.m., which was elevated to third alarm at 11:42 p.m.

Forty-eight firetrucks from the BFP and volunteer groups responded to the scene.

Three special rescue force teams also helped put out the fire.

Three firefighters – Senior Inspector Ronald Lim, Fire Officer 1 Myrthle Ruth Marquez and Excel Meneses – suffered difficulty in breathing.

After almost seven hours, the BFP declared the fire under control.

Damage to property was placed at P15 million.

Firefighters also responded to a blaze that hit a barangay hall and a nearby three-door apartment along Masbate street in Sampaloc, Manila yesterday.

Barangay 575 captain Sylvia Santicruz escaped unhurt from the burning apartment, reports said.

The fire was reportedly caused by faulty electrical wiring at the barangay hall.

Another fire razed shanties at the corner of Benitez and San Andres streets in Barangay 724, Malate.

Arson probers said the fire destroyed 40 houses, including that of a firefighter.

Fifty families or 100 people were left homeless.