Fire hits Manila vice mayor’s office

MANILA, Philippines — Old electrical wires and sockets caused a refrigerator to set off a fire at the office of Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza yesterday.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the blaze broke out at 5:35 a.m. on the second floor of the city hall and was raised to first alarm at 5:57 a.m.

“The fire was caused by a refrigerator that was plugged in, as per BFP. Apparently, the electrical wiring and outlets here are already old. The refrigerator sparked, which caused a large part of the pantry to catch fire,” Atienza said.

The BFP said a portion of the ceiling in the vice mayor’s office collapsed. Water damage was also recorded.

“Aside from the smoke, we also had a challenge with padlocked doors. We did a forceful entry to penetrate and suppress the fire,” Manila Fire Department chief Inspector Demetrius Ablan said.

Twenty-seven firetrucks responded, including the BFP, fire brigades and volunteers.

Fire responders extinguished the blaze at 6:21 a.m.

Atienza said the office would be closed until a clearance is secured from the BFP.

Meanwhile, Mayor Isko Moreno said there was no work suspension for the city hall employees.

The city council held a regular session at 2 p.m.

Desks will be stationed outside the vice mayor’s office to receive Manila residents seeking medical assistance.