5 dead in fire that hit Parola Compound, Tondo, Manila

Five people died before dawn on Sunday after fire engulfed a residential area in Parola Compound, Tondo, Manila.

The victims were trapped in their burning house, according to a report by Luisito Santos on Dobol B sa News TV.

The fire was said to have started at 11:53 p.m. Saturday in the house of a certain Jake Loyola.

Firemen had difficulty putting out the fire due to the narrow road leading to the compound, the narrow streets (eskinita) inside the compound and the strong winds which fanned the flames. 

Some residents confronted firemen to ensure their houses be attended to first. There were also reports of residents grabbing fire hoses.

"May napaulat na may ilang residente na nang-aagaw ng hose para ipang-apula sa apoy," Manila Police District Police Station 12 chief Police Lieutenant Cenon Vargas said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

PLtCol. Vargas: May napaulat na may ilang residente na nang-aagaw ng hose para ipang-apula sa apoy. pic.twitter.com/HqQjCQZQgi

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 20, 2021

The fire was put under control at 5:04 a.m. then eventually put out at 6:11 a.m. after raging for six hours.

UPDATE: As of 5:04am, kontrolado na ang sunog sa Parola Compound, Tondo, Manila @dzbb pic.twitter.com/Ts6UGrvLrj

— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) February 20, 2021

Three hundred houses and 600 families were affected by the fire. Many of the houses were made of light materials.

300 bahay, nasunog sa Gate 20, Parola Compound, Maynila @dzbb pic.twitter.com/Ceac2I1fD8

— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) February 21, 2021

Damage was estimated to reach P3 million.

LOOK: Aabot sa 300 bahay ang nasunog sa Parola Compound, Maynila; 5 ang namatay sa sunog @dzbb pic.twitter.com/1SGjg2b1wo

— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) February 20, 2021

The fire victims temporarily sought shelter at the Manila International Container Terminal compound.

Investigators are still probing the cause of the fire, and one of the angles being checked is faulty electrical wiring. —KG, GMA News