Two persons were killed in a fire of still unknown origin in a densely
populated area in Paranaque City early Thursday morning.
Initial investigation showed that the fire broke out around 12:36 a.m.
at 206 Canaynay Avenue, Bernabe Phase 3 in Barangay San Dionisio,
resulting in the deaths of Bryan, 40, and Salud, 62.
The fire destroyed at least 20 houses mostly built with light
materials, and affected more than 40 families.
Firefighters and private volunteers from southern Metro Manila
controlled the fire around 2 a.m. and extinguished it after more than
one hour.
Arson investigators are looking into the cause of the blaze and the
cost of the damages.
Records from the Bureau of Fire Protection showed that most of the
fires happened due to faulty electrical lines, unattended gas lamps
and candles, cooking stoves, and overheating appliances.
Meanwhile, the government urged the public to be on alert against
defective decorations and other unsafe products that may cause fire
and pose harm to human health and the environment during this Yuletide
season.
The authorities specifically cautioned consumers against careless
purchases of Christmas lights that have not undergone quality and
safety verification procedures.
Substandard Christmas lights and other electrical products can result
in electric shock for the user and even cause fires, they pointed out.