At least 500 houses destroyed in Makati City fire

MANILA, Philippines – At least 500 homes were destroyed in a fire that ravaged Barangay Cembo, Makati City a few minutes past midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2013.

Makati City Fire Department (MCFD) Sgt George Albito told Rappler they had yet to determine the number of affected families. A report from DZMM, however, said that an estimated 2,000 families were affected by the fire.

DZMM also reported that siblings Rose Ann Ariola, 6, and Robert Ariola, 4, were found dead in their collapsed house. At leat 3 more were reported injured.

The fire started at around 12:10am. At 12:16am, the fire was raised to the 3rd to 5th alarm, meaning the fire department needed more resources to help put out the blaze.

At 12:18am, it reached Task Force Bravo, prompting additional help from neighboring cities. The fire reached General Alarm at 12:31am, meaning the fire could only be contained at that point. 

Albito said the fire was put under control at around 1:42am. A fire out was declared at 3:10am.

The fire spread from Barangay Cembo to Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo.

Most of the affected residents were brought to Cembo Elementary School and San Jose Elementary School while some residents remained in the J.P.Rizal Extension road.

Albito said the MCFD is currently holding an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. – with a report by David Lozada/Rappler.com