Fire hits Manila public hospital

MANILA, Philippines — A fire broke out at the five-story Ospital ng Maynila in Malate before dawn yesterday.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the blaze started at around 1:30 a.m. and was raised to first alarm at 1:38 a.m.

Nine firetrucks responded. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames at 2:12 a.m.

Arson probers said the fire started on the ground floor of the hospital building and spread to the fifth floor.

Hospital personnel reported that the affected area housed medical supplies.

No injuries or casualties were reported.

The BFP said it is still investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the extent of the damage.

Patients were evacuated shortly after the fire broke out.

The management of the Ospital ng Maynila said they would conduct a probe.

Hospital operations were uninterrupted while its laboratory department resumed services after the fire.