4 killed in separate fires in Marikina, Manila

A total of four individuals were killed in separate fire incidents in Marikina and Manila on Thursday, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection - National Capital Region (BFP-NCR).

Three people were reported killed and three others were reported injured from in a fire in a residential area in Barangay Concepcion Uno, Marikina. 

BFP-NCR said that the fire broke out at 8:04 a.m. and reached the first alarm at 8:11 a.m.

According to a 24 Oras report by Bernadette Reyes, the fire affected approximately eight houses and 13 families. Tragically, a father and his two children lost their lives in the incident.

A relative of the victims said the father was cooking when the fire suddenly broke out.

“May sinaing daw doon sa kapatid kong lalaki,nagluluto binalikan niya yung anak niyang dalawa sa taas. Hindi na nakababa. Yung dalawang apo ko tapos tatay nuon, tumalon sa kabilang bubong,” said Rowena Carillo. 

(My brother was cooking rice, and he returned for his two children who were upstairs.They could not escape. My two grandchildren and their father managed to get out by jumping to the neighboring rooftop.)

Narinig pa raw ng mga kapitbahay ang paghingi ng saklolo ng mga biktima pero hindi na nila magawang saklolohan dahil sa lakas ng apoy. 

The neighbor said they hear the victims' cry for help but they were not able to get to them due to the strength of the fire.

“Nakita ko nagliliyab nayung kapitbahay. Akala ko may nagluluto, grabe naman lakas ng kalan. Ginawa ko ginising ko na yung mga anak ko. Hindi ko alam yung pinang galingan. Basta nakita ko na lang umaapoy na,” said Edmundo Torres, whose house was among those burned down. 

(I saw our neighbor’s house burning. At first, I thought someone was just cooking, that the fire was too strong. I immediately woke my children up. I didn’t even know where the fire started. I just saw it spreading fast.)

Five fire trucks, one rescue truck, and one ambulance responded to the blaze.

The fire was declared out around 9:44 a.m.

Authorities have yet to provide information on the cause of the fire, the number of affected individuals, and the estimated cost of damage.

Meanwhile in Manila, a two-story house in Barangay 32, Zone 2, District 1, Tondo started at 9:15 a.m. and reached the first alarm at 9:21 a.m.

Around 35 fire trucks and two ambulances responded to the area.

The fire was declared out at 10:34 a.m.

According to the BFP-NCR, an 83-year-old woman was also killed in the fire.

Around 21 individuals or eight families were affected by the fire, which totally damaged one house and partially damaged three others.

The BFP-NCR said that the fire started on the second floor. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Following the incident, the BFP reminded the public to take extra precautions to prevent similar incidents from happening, especially during periods of high temperatures. 

“Sa ngayon po na mataaspo ang ating heat index pinapa-alalahanan po natin ang ating mga kababayan na magdoble ingat. Kasi mainit po talagaang angating mga saksakan, lalo n amga electric fan, kapag hindi po natin ginagamit siguraduhin pong nakabunot at ang mga ilaw siguraduhing nakaswitch off,” said Melan Balbuena, Senior Fire Officer 3, BFP Marikina. 

(With the rising heat index, we urge everyone to be extra careful. Electrical outlets and appliances, especially electric fans, can overheat. Make sure to unplug unused devices and switch off lights when not in use.) — VAL,/RF GMA Integrated News