Fires hit Manila, Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines – Fires broke out at a residential area in Quezon City and a three-story commercial building in Manila yesterday morning.

The fire started in the mezzanine of the old Leyba Martinez building at the intersection of Gonzalo Puyat (formerly Raon) street and Rizal Avenue in Sta. Cruz before 9 a.m.

The fire spread to the second floor, which houses a stockroom filled with audio devices. It reached fourth alarm before it was put out more than an hour later.

Arson inspectors estimated the damage caused by the blaze at around P1.5 million.

At around 10:30 a.m., a fire destroyed 15 houses along C.P. Garcia Avenue in Barangay UP Campus, Quezon City.

The fire caused P150,000 in damages before it was put out less than an hour later.

The fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit at the house of Eduardo Magalso, 63, city fire marshal Superintendent Jesus Fernandez said.