Authorities still investigating cause of SM City North EDSA fire

Fire inspectors are still investigating the cause of the fire that broke out at SM City North EDSA on Sunday night.

The fire which started around 8 p.m. engulfed the warehouse on the fourth floor of the mall, according to a report by Mav Gonzales on Unang Balita on Monday.

Firemen raised the third alarm as the fire raged.

Fire Inspector Rodelio Bernabe, commander of the Bureau of Fire Protection - Agham Substation, said they coordinated with the mall's security to clear the area to prevent a stampede should the lights go off.

However, there were still shoppers milling around the mall as the fire was raging.

A cellphone video showed smoke coming out of SM Department Store yet shoppers continued to mill around. Some appeared not to be aware that a fire was in progress just a couple of floors above them.

According to the BFP, it was zero visibility inside the warehouse where the smoke was thickest.

Firemen had to wear breathing apparatuses to battle the blaze.

Some firemen were overcome by smoke despite the devices and had to be rushed out of the mall complex by rescue workers and administered oxygen in area hospitals.

No casualties were reported, however.

Fire out was declared past 10:30 p.m.

Authorities have yet to determine damage estimates.

Bernabe said the warehouse lacked ventilation.

He added that the mall's sprinklers worked but since these were placed too high up on the ceilings, it took a while before the water could douse the flames.

SM Malls, in a statement, said there was quick response to the fire and that they are conducting maintenance and clearing operation.

Mall operations remained normal up to closing time at 11 p.m. Sunday. —KG/KVD, GMA News