A three-story commercial building along Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City, was hit by a fire late Friday night, with authorities still investigating its cause.

According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Parañaque Fire Senior Superintendent Liher Barrios said the fire started in the middle portion of the building’s first floor.

Most of the stalls inside the Richland Building were hardware shops that stored supplies such as paint and PVC materials, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze.

The fire was raised to first alarm at 11:35 p.m. Friday and quickly escalated to second alarm at 11:39 p.m., third alarm at 12:05 a.m., fourth alarm at 12:07 a.m., and fifth alarm at 12:14 a.m. Saturday.

Firefighters declared the blaze under control at around 6:29 a.m. Saturday.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.