A 30-year old autistic woman reportedly died in a fire that broke out Monday morning at a residential area in Barangay 197, Tondo, Manila.
Witnesses said the blaze started at around 2 a.m. Inside the unnamed victim’s house.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire reached first alarm only.
It was tapped out an hour later.
Barangay officials were still verifying the number of affected families.
The BFP was investigating the possible cause of fire.
Firefighters said the blaze spread easily because the houses were made of light materials.
The houses of the affected residents sat on a lot that used to be a market.
The occupants said the building was already foreclosed by a bank but they were allowed to build temporary shelter by the previous owner.
They said they were just waiting for the official communication from the bank and were ready to vacate the edifice.
In the meantime, they were advised to stay at the barangay hall while the barangay officials are seeking help from the city government.