"This is the biggest fire in the history of Mandaluyong," Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr said in an interview with dzBB at Barangay Addition Hills, the site of the fire.
The fire, which began in Block 32 of Barangay Addition Hills at around 2 pm Tuesday, spread to 5 other blocks a couple of hours later. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the fire was declared under control at 6:13 pm.
Upon the request of Abalos, a Philippine Air Force helicopter with water bags arrived in the area at 4:30 pm to help put out on the fire.
Abalos said he asked the help of the Air Force, as firetrucks had difficulty getting into the area. Earlier, dzBB reported that firetrucks refilled with water could not get into the streets which, aside from being narrow, were also blocked by displaced families, their belongings, and kibitzers.
The fire reached the 5th alarm at 2:34 pm, and was at Task Force Alpha 10 minutes later. It reached Task Force Bravo at 3:19 pm, Task Force Delta at 4:20 pm, and then general alarm just 10 minutes later.
Abalos said the city government prepared 5 evacuation sites for the victims, which he estimated between 800 to 1,000 families.
RESIDENTIAL
AREA. Homes on fire in Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City on
November 25, 2015. Photo courtesy of Chris Bernardo
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