20 families lose home, 14 trapped cats die in Manila fire 

Some 20 families lost their homes and several pet cats died after a fire broke out in Sta. Mesa, Manila on Thursday night.

According to Vonne Aquino’s report in Saksi, the fire started on the second floor of a house in Barangay 632, Zone 64. 

The homeowner said the boarders were not around when the incident happened, leaving their pet cats trapped inside.

"Di na rin kinaya ng fire extinguisher, ang bilis eh. Siguro tinutukan niya ng electric fan mainit diba, mga imported na pusa eh,” said Lourdes Caguioa. 

(The fire extinguisher wasn’t powerful enough because the fire easily broke out. Maybe the owner left the fan on because they are imported cats.) 

Only one cat survived and will be turned over to its owner by the barangay. 

Meanwhile, other tenants of the house were also not able to save anything. 

A firefighter also sustained a minor injury during the operation.

The fire was declared out at 8:44 p.m. 

Barangay officials are considering setting up tents in a vacant lot and using a nearby daycare center as temporary shelter for the fire victims.

Fire authorities said the blaze easily broke out as the house’s structure is mostly built from wood. However, the cause of the fire is still unknown. 

The Manila Fire District said the fire caused around P500,000 worth of damages. 

Authorities advise the public to always unplug any gadgets or appliances before leaving their homes. 

“Bago sana umalis sa mga bahay natin….tanggalin muna natin yung mga nakasaksak bago tayo umalis para kampante din tayo. Tsaka regular natin ipa-check yung mga electrical wirings natin,” said Manila District fire marshall FSSupt. Christine Cula. 

(Before you leave your homes, please make sure to unplug your gadgets so we can be at ease. Also do regular checks on your electrical wirings.)—Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News