(UPDATED) Christmas Eve fire rages in Divisoria

MANILA, Philippines – On Christmas Eve, fire fighters found themselves busy at work after a fire broke out at a commercial building in Divisoria district.

The 3-story Sun Master Building, located between M. De los Santos and Tabora streets in front of New Divisoria Mall, caught fire at half past midnight. Reports on the fire said the alert level at 2:10 am reached Task Force Bravo.

As of 5:45 am, the alert level was elevated to Task Force Charlie.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, although it spread quickly due to the fabrics, plastic toys and fire crackers being sold in the building. The fire has reportedly spread to two other establishments.

Fire crackers are the suspected cause of the fire, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Divisoria is a popular destination of shoppers because of inexpensive items being sold by commercial establishments. It is often crowded most especially during the Christmas and holiday season.

Vendors of the burning establishment owned by businessman Lucio Co also worked to salvage their goods.

DZMM radio station reported that the fire continues to pose a threat to adjacent buildings, and may rage on until Christmas, although firemen are on the scene working to control it. 

Fire fighters initially found it difficult to enter the building because it was still locked, and were forced to use an aerial ladder instead. 

3 people are reported to have suffered minor injuries, while another was treated for dizziness. So far, the estimated damage caused by the fire has reached P1 million. –Rappler.com