A massive fire broke out in a residential area along Road 10 in Vitas, Tondo, Manila, on Saturday, engulfing several tenement buildings.
According to a report by Rod Vega on Super Radyo dzBB, the fire affected Tenement Buildings 27 to 23. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the area as the fire spread quickly, fueled by homes made mostly of light materials.
The fire, which started shortly after 11 a.m., prompted the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to raise Task Force Alpha and later Task Force Bravo as the blaze intensified. Helicopters have been deployed to help douse the flames from the air due to the difficulty of accessing the area on the ground.
Firetrucks have taken up both directions of Road 10, while firemen and volunteers are still battling the fire, which has been made worse by strong winds. As of now, there have been no reports of injuries, but the BFP has not yet provided an official update.
At least 11 tenement-style buildings have been destroyed, and the fire has affected around 200,000 residents. Some of the displaced families have set up modular tents in a nearby basketball court in a neighboring barangay.
The Philippine Red Cross has also sent personnel to assist those affected. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.