Fires hit plastics factory in QC, residential area in Binondo, Manila

Two fires broke out in Metro Manila before dawn on Monday, one in Quezon City and one in Manila.

The fire in Quezon City hit a plastics melting factory in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon, according to a report by Nico Waje on Unang Balita.

The said fire started at around 12 a.m., according to one of the stay-in workers.

Roberto, a stay-in worker, had burns on his face and body after he used the fire extinguisher and it backfired.

The fire was still on fourth alarm as of 6:13 a.m.

Residents nearby brought out some of their belongings, hoping the fire would not reach them.

Quezon City District Fire Marshall Fire Senior Superintendent Aristotle Bañaga said they had difficulty putting out the fire since the material in the warehouses were plastic. The factory melts plastic that could be made into plastic pellets which other factories use in making furniture.

"Medyo malawak ang lugar. Dalawang warehouse, dalawang establishment. Medyo nahirapan kami sa kadahilanang ito ay plastic," he said.

(The area is big. Two warehouses, two establishments. We had difficulty [putting out the fire] because the material is plastic.)

The nearest fire hydrant is also a kilometer away in Barangay Kaibigan, Caloocan City.

Bañaga said the fire started at the workers' barracks at the back of the factory.

They are still determining the estimated cost of property damage.

The factory owner meanwhile declined to issue any statement.

Manila

Meanwhile, a fire broke out past 4 a.m. in Gate 62, Parola Compound, Binondo, Manila, according to a report by Darlene Cay on Unang Balita.

Residents were asleep when the fire broke, and quickly evacuated their homes.

The third alarm was still in effect as of 6:12 a.m. Ten firetrucks responded.

The fire was then placed under control at 6:16 a.m. and was put out before 7 a.m., according to a report by Manny Vargas on Super Radyo dzBB.

Some 180 families were affected by the fire. They sought temporary shelter at the Del Pan Community Center.

The Bureau of Fire Protection said three were injured in the fire. One of them was a three-year-old boy who was bitten by a dog while evacuating, and also had burns.

Property damage is estimated to reach more than P300,000. —KG, GMA Integrated News