Third-Alarm Fire Erupts in Sta. Ana, Manila — Residents Evacuate as Blaze Spreads Through Densely Packed Homes
A fire broke out along Obrero Street in Barangay 898, Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila on Sunday evening, quickly escalating to a third alarm as flames jumped between tightly packed houses. Residents first spotted thick smoke billowing from a house at around 5:40 PM and immediately alerted authorities.
Fire responders arrived at the scene and raised the first alarm at 5:59 PM. Just three minutes later, at 6:02 PM, a second alarm was called to request additional water supply and manpower. By 6:16 PM, the blaze had been elevated to a third alarm as it continued to spread due to the close proximity of structures in the area.
Residents in the affected neighborhood were forced to evacuate their homes as firefighters battled to contain the fire. Motorists in the vicinity were advised to steer clear of the area and give way to emergency vehicles.
The incident comes at a particularly ironic time — right as the country kicks off Fire Prevention Month this March. The Bureau of Fire Protection has been ramping up awareness campaigns, but fires in densely packed residential areas remain a persistent challenge in Metro Manila.
As of the latest reports, the exact cause of the fire, the number of homes affected, and any injuries have yet to be confirmed. This is a developing story that authorities are still investigating.
Source: Manila Bulletin
