Big blaze hits residential area in Parañaque City

A huge fire of still undetermined origin broke out at a residential area in Parañaque City on Friday afternoon, according to a GMA News TV Live report. The fire occurred about 5 hours after a similar incident hit a residential area in Cubao, Quezon City where two people were reported hurt. In his report, GMA News reporter JP Soriano said the blaze erupted shortly before 3 p.m. and engulfed houses in Barangays Tambo and Sto. Niño, sending residents scampering away while carrying what they could save from their burning homes. It was not immediately clear if anyone was killed or got hurt during the incident. The extent of damage to property, as well the origin of the fire have yet to be determined.

The report said the residents - numbering to hundreds - were forced to stay on the side of a road in the village, some still in panic while others crying, while firefighters arrived at the site. Bureau of Fire Protection personnel and volunteer firefighters from all over Metro Manila, were deployed to the area after a general alarm was raised. Firefighters later declared the blaze as under control. The fire forced authorities to close Quirino Avenue to traffic. — Mark D. Merueñas/RSJ, GMA News