Baseco fire leaves 1 dead, 70 families homeless

MANILA, Philippines — A young man died in a fire that hit the Gasangan neighborhood in Baseco in Manila yesterday, according to the Manila Fire District.

The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department said the fire started at 11:25 a.m. and quickly reached the third alarm as it gutted houses made of light materials.

Authorities estimated that up to 70 families have lost their homes to the blaze.

Fire responders said they had difficulty in controlling the fire due to strong winds.

The Bureau of Fire Protection declared a fire out at 12:56 p.m.

Arson probers are yet to establish the cause of fire and extent of damage to properties.