Manila Central Post Office fire declared out after more than 30 hours

After more than 30 hours, the fire at the Manila Central Post Office was declared out on Tuesday morning.

In an update, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire was declared out at 6:33 a.m.

Eighteen people, most of them firefighters, were reported hurt due to the fire that started late Sunday night. Their injuries ranged from lacerations to first-degree burns.

Some casualties also felt dizziness and chest pain, the BFP said.

At least two structures inside the building were burned and the estimated cost of damage was P300 million, according to the bureau.

Manila Fire District chief of Intelligence and Investigation Division Senior Inspector Alejandro Ramos, in an Unang Balita interview prior to the declaration of fire out, said they had to make sure that the fire would not rekindle.

Ramos said the extreme heat and lack of ventilation in the basement of the iconic establishment posed a challenge for firefighters to put out the fire.

Regarding the cause of the fire, Ramos said authorities are conducting an investigation to verify and check the statements given by some witnesses.

On Monday, Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Postmaster General Luis Carlos said the stamps in the museum, the Manila Central Post Office building itself, and their records are among the most valuable things that were destroyed by the fire

The fire was believed to have started in the basement of the building and immediately reached the top floors. It reached first alarm at 11:41 p.m. on Sunday and general alarm, or its highest fire alarm level, at 5:54 a.m. on Monday. —KBK/AOL, GMA Integrated News