MANILA, Philippines — A fire swept through a residential area in Pasay City on Thursday evening, leaving two people dead and dozens of families displaced.
The blaze broke out along P. Villanueva Street in Barangay 85 and quickly spread through houses made of light materials in the densely populated community.
The Bureau of Fire Protection raised the alarm to the second level as flames engulfed closely packed homes, making response more difficult.
Authorities said the fire started at around 5:59 p.m. and was declared out at about 7:58 p.m., nearly two hours later.
Initial reports said at least two people were killed in the incident while around 50 families were affected and forced to evacuate from their homes.
Pasay City Fire Chief Fire Supt. Alma Cassandra Gardose said that firefighters faced operational difficulties while responding to the blaze.
“Aside from the lack of water supply, a big factor was the narrow streets. And also the number of residents bringing their belongings outside. That’s why the operation of our firefighters was really difficult earlier,” Gardose told reporters.
Authorities said the displaced families were temporarily staying at a nearby school while investigators determined the cause of the fire.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano later visited the affected community and coordinated assistance for displaced families as local officials arranged temporary shelter and relief support for the victims.
