Fire hits residential area in Muntinlupa

A fire broke out in a residential area in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Sunday morning, according to a Super Radyo dzBB report of Mao dela Cruz.

The fire started at around 4 a.m. in a coconut store, according to some residents. The flames then spread to two nearby compounds.

Firefighters are currently having a hard time putting out the fire because from the main road, they still have to cross a river to reach the burning areas. There is another passageway but it is quite long and very narrow, and would also be difficult for the firefighters to pass.

The fire reached the 2nd alarm before it was declared extinguished at 9:42 a.m.

There was no information yet if there were casualties related to the incident.

Some of the affected residents from the Joaquin, Bautista, and Mariategue compounds were evacuated to the multi-purpose covered court of Alabang Elementary School.

Barangay Alabang Chairman Christine Abas said around 300 families were affected by the fire.

Seventy families have so far been listed by the barangay, and more families are still seeking help.

Modular tents are being set up for the affected individuals. The Morning Breeze covered court and Pedro E. Diaz High School are also being readied to accommodate other evacuees.

In a Facebook post, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said he has ordered the distribution of food and non-food items to the evacuees from the city government’s social services department.

“Pinapaalalahanan ko rin ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat. Tiyakin lagi natin na ligtas tayo sa mismong tahanan natin. ‘Wag nating hayaang maiwan ang mga kandila, niluluto, o kahit ‘yung mga cellphone natin na nakacharge dahil p’wede itong magshort circuit,” he said.

(I am reminding the public to be careful. Let's always ensure that we are safe in our own homes. Let's not leave burning candles, what we are cooking, or even charging cell phones because they can lead to a short circuit.)—RF, GMA Integrated News