Fire hits Baseco compound, leaves 800 families homeless

At least 800 families were left homeless after a fire hit the 52-hectare Bataan Shipping and Engineering Company (Baseco) compound in Tondo, Manila before 10 p.m., Saturday. The fire quickly spread because the shanties made of light materials were too close to each other, GMA News said quoting reports from authorities. Strong winds blew the flames, which gutted some 500 homes.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Firemen were able to put the blaze under control at 11:22 p.m., GMA News’ Ian Cruz said based on the information gathered from the Bureau of Fire Protection. The fire, which reached Task Force Delta, started at the house of one Eric Lacay at 9:47 p.m. Authorities could not yet determine the cause of the incident as of posting time. Affected families will temporarily stay in nearby schools and basketball courts, GMA News said. Baseco is home to about 6,000 poor families. The compound was supposed to be developed as a world class resort fronting Manila Bay. The area, which used to be a site for ship loading and repair, was once called the National Shipyard and Steel Company. It was renamed Baseco in 1964 after it was acquired by the Romualdez family. - GMANews.TV