Over 5,000 people displaced in eight-hour fire in Philippines

QUEZON, PHILIPPINES: Over 5,000 people on Tuesday lost their homes after an eight-hour fire that struck Quezon City in the metro Manila region, the state-run PNA news agency reported.

According to authorities, seven people were injured and approximately 500 houses were lost. The fire began at about 10:54 p.m. local time on Monday and was under control at 4 a.m. on Tuesday.

Firefighters had the fire extinguished until 7:02 a.m. local time. The blaze prompted a general alarm and investigators said that preliminary reports indicate that the fire was caused by a failure in electrical wiring.

The fire apparently started at the second floor of a two-story residence in a densely populated area. A neighborhood was razed and the damages are calculated at about $20 million Philippines pesos ($460,000).

The seven wounded sere reported in stable condition. The individuals suffered slight injuries while trying to help put out the fire. Two ambulances also provided medical attention to 10 individuals.

Some of the affected residents were temporarily sent to the Ninoy Aquino Parks and the Wildlife Center. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided hot meals and clothing for the 5,000 families rendered homeless.

In late January, a huge fire in Manila's Navotas city destroyed more than 100 houses, killed 12 people and displaced nearly 2,000 others. The fire broke out around 11 p.m local time in San Roque village in Navotas as many residents were celebrating prior to an annual religious celebration.

(BNO NEWS )