Unattended candles were believed to have sparked the fires that burned 700 houses late Wednesday in two barangays in Pasay and Las Piñas cities, injuring a firefighter and rendering thousands of people homeless.

Fire officials estimated the damage to property at R11 million in both barangays Malibay in Pasay and Talon Uno in Las Piñas where more than a thousand families or an estimated 5,000 people were left homeless.

Arson investigators said Fire Officer 1 Gregorio Atienza was hurt during the fire in Pasay when he fell through the roof of a house and sprained his right foot.

On the other hand, a certain Rosalito Loneza was mauled by Las Piñas residents who learned that the fire in Talon Uno originated from the man’s home. Loneza is currently confined at the Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital while fire authorities are studying whether or not he should be held liable for the fire.

The Pasay Fire Bureau estimated that around P8 million in property was destroyed and about 1,000 families lost their homes.

Initial reports said a lighted candle, which was left unattended in Gina Fabella’s house on Apelo Cruz Street Barangay 157 in Malibay, started the fire around 5:30 p.m. and lasted for 11 hours.

Firefighters were able to confine the fire around 11:30 p.m. and put the flames out only at 4:30 a.m. yesterday.

In Las Piñas, Inspector Aldwin Salazar deputy fire marshal, said the fire in Talon Uno destroyed around P3 million in property and burned down 300 homes.

He said that the city’s fire bureau is still studying if charges should be filed against Loneza after learning that the fire originated from the second floor of his house in Dela Cruz Compound on Marcos Avenue in Talon Uno. Angry residents mauled Loneza, blaming him for the tragedy.

Loneza is only renting the place from a certain Marcelina Licamura.

Salazar said Loneza used candles since electricity was cut off due to unpaid bills.

The Las Piñas government assured that its social welfare department is taking care of the fire victims.

Likewise, Pasay Mayor Allan Panaligan already ordered the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Zenaida Villaluz to provide assistance to the victims in Malibay.

The CSWDO secured the Malibay Gymnasium and the Pasay City East High School grounds to serve as evacuation centers where the victims are being given meals, relief goods and medical check-up.