Philippine Star, December 03, 2006
At least 50 families lost their homes after a two-hour fire believed caused by an unattended candle broke out in a densely populated area late Friday in Navotas.
Senior Fire Officer 3 Crizaldo Bajado of the town’s Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said that the blaze started in the house of Roger Odolio on Interior Santiago Street in Barangay Sipac.
Witnesses told arson investigators that at around 7:40 p.m., thick black smoke was seen coming from Odolio’s room on the second floor where he reportedly left a lighted candle. Odolio’s home had no electricity, witnesses said.
The fire swiftly devoured Odolio’s house that was built with light materials.
Firefighters immediately arrived at the fire scene but in less than 20 minutes, they raised the fire warning and called for assistance from other units as the blaze rapidly spread throughout the neighborhood.
At around 9 p.m., firemen were able to put it under control but not after at least 20 houses had been razed. Nobody was reported hurt.
Fire victims took refuge at Sipac Public Elementary School and at the basketball court while others built temporary shelters using materials salvaged from the remains of their homes.
Mayor Toby Tiangco extended assistance Saturday to the fire victims.
