MANILA, Philippines — Scavengers burning wires to extract copper are to blame for the massive fire that broke out on Wednesday in Tondo, Manila, according to Mayor Isko Moreno.
“Initial reports show that scrap merchants who burned electric wires to get copper caused the fire,” Moreno said, citing the Bureau of Fire Protection.
At least 865 families were displaced by the six-hour blaze.
Victims received relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as hot meals and mats.
Moreno said financial aid will be provided by the city government.
The mayor thanked the Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Office of Civil Defense for deploying three helicopters from Pampanga to help extinguish the fire with water from Manila Bay.
He also commended the city government, barangays, Manila Police District and Philippine Red Cross.