Fires break out in Tondo, Pandacan

MANILA, Philippines — Two separate fires, both reaching third alarm, broke out in Pandacan and Tondo, Manila early yesterday morning.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the first fire struck a four-story condominium building in Pandacan at 3:41 a.m.

It reached the third alarm in less than an hour as the flames spread quickly from the fourth to the seventh floor of Residencias de Manila Building 1.

Arson probers said an unplugged appliance left by an occupant of the condominium may have caused the fire.

Responders put out the fire at 9:05 a.m.

Thirty-nine families or 96 people were displaced. They are taking shelter at a covered court in Barangay 830.

The fire damaged 25 condominium units, barangay officials said.

The Manila Department of Social Welfare distributed hot meals to the affected residents.

Arson probers estimated the damage at P5 million.

Another fire broke out in Gagalangin, Tondo at 4:09 a.m. and reached the third alarm at 4:47 a.m.

Firefighters contained the blaze at 5:30 a.m.

Up to 32 families or 122 people were affected by the fire, according to the BFP.