More than 1,000 families were left homeless in two fires that simultaneously struck two barangays in Quezon City Tuesday afternoon, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.
At least 500 houses, mostly made of light materials, were razed by a massive fire in Sitio Ambuklao on Mendez Road in Barangay Baesa, the fire department said.
According to the BFP, the blaze originated at the kitchen of a house owned by 57-year-old Eddie Lero around 4:32 p.m.
The fire was raised to Task Force Bravo around 5:19 p.m.
After more than four hours, fire officers declared the blaze under control and was put out around 11 p.m.
Fire authorities pegged the damage at P2 million.
Most of the affected residents evacuated to the barangay covered court where cubicle tents were installed by the local government to serve as their temporary shelter.
Meanwhile, around 80 families lost their homes to another fire that struck houses on Sinagtala Street in Barangay Bahay Toro, the BFP said.
The fire was raised to fifth alarm about 30 minutes.
Hours later, firefighters were able to contain the blaze and was declared fire out around 10 p.m.
The blaze razed around 50 houses, mostly made out of light materials, the fire department said.
According to Police Lieutenent Alex Alberto of Quezon City Police Station 3 (Talipapa), no one was injured in the fire.
Fire authorities placed the damage at P250,000. (Jhon Aldrin Casinas)