3 injured, 248 families homeless in Pasig, San Juan fires

MANILA, Philippines — Three people were wounded and at least 248 families were left homeless as fires hit residential areas in the cities of Pasig and San Juan on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)’s National Capital Region field unit said two men suffered second-degree burns and lacerations in a fire that broke out in Barangay Manggahan, Pasig.

The fire started around 6:30 p.m. and reached third alarm before it was doused by firefighters at around 10:41 p.m., according to the BFP.

Arson probers said the affected area is a shantytown wherein around 128 shanties were engulfed by the fire.

Data from the city government showed at least 208 families or 983 people are sheltered in two evacuation centers.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire that destroyed P2 million worth of property.

In San Juan, one person was wounded after a fire razed 13 houses along F. Manalo Street in Barangay Kabayanan.

The BFP said the fire started around 4:41 p.m. It reached second alarm and was put out by firefighters at 5:41 p.m.

Arson investigators said the fire originated on the second floor of a two-story house.

The estimated cost of damage to property was placed by the BFP at P900,000.