Tondo, Manila – A devastating fire at a four-story warehouse on Guidote Street, Balut, Tondo, has left 18 fire volunteers injured. The incident, which began at approximately 7:51 PM last Thursday, continues to rage more than 24 hours later.
Among the injured are 14 men and 4 women from various fire volunteer groups. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the volunteers sustained first and second-degree superficial burns, primarily on their hands and faces.
Reports indicate that the injuries were exacerbated when an explosion occurred on the building’s second floor. The volunteers have been transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Firefighters faced significant challenges battling the blaze due to the building’s single entry point, which hindered their access. Meanwhile, stay-in employees managed to escape by improvising a makeshift rope from clothing and fabric to descend from the building.
The fire is still ongoing, with efforts to extinguish the flames proving difficult due to the building’s structure and the intensity of the blaze. The situation remains under close watch as fire crews continue their battle against the inferno.