Two persons reportedly died in a fire that razed a densely populated area in Paranaque City early Thursday morning.
Initial investigation showed that the fire of still unknown origin broke out around 12:30 a.m. on 206 Canaynay Ave., Bernabe Phase 3 in Barangay San Dionisio, resulting in the death of the victims identified only as Bryan, 40, and Salud, 62.
The fire ate up at least 20 house, mostly built with light materials, and dislocated more than 40 families.
Firefighters and private volunteers from southern Metro Manila tapped out the blaze around 2 a.m.
Arson investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and the cost of damage to property.
Records from the Bureau of Fire Protection showed that most structural 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 Christmas 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 random 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.
