Phil. Daily Inquirer, Dec. 31, 2005
THREE thousand families lost their homes and about P2.7 million worth of property were damaged in a five-hour fire that broke out in a densely populated area of Tondo, Manila, Thursday night.
No death was reported, but one man sustained first degree burns on his left arm.
Arson investigators said the fire in Barangay 105, Zone 8, Happy Land, began at 9:22 p.m.
It spread quickly before it was put out at 2:52 a.m., according to SFO1 Gaudencio Magallanes.
Rolando Santos, 27, sustained first degree burns on his left arm, Magallanes said.
An arson investigator said the fire could have been caused by candles and gas lamps as the area had no electricity.
Another possible cause was firecrackers bought earlier by New Year revelers.
Magallanes said, "Firecrackers like the Judas Belt and Super Lolo exploded during the fire. The residents must have carelessly stored them in their houses."
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said emergency feeding centers and temporary relocation areas have been set up for the victims.
He promised to help victims rebuild their homes.
The fire left mostly only the galvanized iron roofs and charred posts of shanties built on stilts close to Manila Bay. Residents said they failed to save their belongings.
In Sta. Ana, Manila, another fire destroyed the second floor of a garage yesterday afternoon.
No one was injured in the 12-minute fire, investigators said.
