BFP says firecrackers possible cause of fire in Sta. Ana, Manila

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Wednesday said firecrackers may have caused the fire that broke out in Sta. Ana, Manila on New Year's Day.

The fire, which reached Task Force Bravo, burned 160 homes at the Pasig Line and rendered at least 300 families homeless on the first day of the year.

Firefighters extinguish a huge fire that gutted residential houses made of light materials at the Pasig line, Sta. Ana, Manila, before dawn on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, New Year's Day. At least 300 families lost their homes in the fire that reached Task Force Bravo. Danny Pata

Two people were injured, according to a report by Isa Avendaño-Umali on GMA News' Unang Balita

The Bureau of Fire Protection estimated the damage to property to reach P2.5 million.

According to a separate report by Umali on Dobol B sa News TV aired on GMA News TV, Manila Fire District Fire Inspector John Joseph Jalique said investigation is still ongoing.

The fire broke out at 3:58 a.m. and quickly spread since houses were made of light materials.

Task Force Bravo was raised at 5:20 a.m.

The fire was put under control at 6:42 a.m.

Residents took what belongings they could bring out of their homes as the fire raged.

Some of the affected residents stayed at the Ignacio Villamor High School.

Jalique was saddened that the public were still patronizing firecrackers to celebrate the coming of the New Year despite the warning of President Rodrigo Duterte, the BFP, and local government units.

Several fire incidents were reported in Metro Manila amid the New Year revelry.

Jalique hoped that these incidents would help the public see the perils of using firecrackers. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News