UPDATED | A fire rapidly escalated to third alarm after breaking out at a clothing bazaar inside the Valenzuela Gateway Complex (VGC) in Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City, on Thursday morning, June 11.

The blaze started at around 5:46 a.m., initially prompting a first alarm, according to initial reports from fire officials. Within two minutes, the fire escalated to a second alarm at 5:48 a.m. before being raised to a third alarm by 5:59 a.m. due to the intensifying flames.

As of 7:29 a.m., firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were still in the process of extinguishing the blaze.

Later on, 7:59 a.m., the blaze had been contained and officially 'under control', according to fire authorities.

Authorities said the fire originated from a bazaar or clothing shop inside the complex. The area houses more than 100 stalls selling items such as clothes, shoes and watches, raising concerns over the extent of damage.

Two individuals were reported injured in the incident, although details about their condition were not immediately available.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined as an investigation is ongoing.