A fire that broke out in a residential area in Parola Compound, Tondo, Manila early Friday, March 6, has reached the fourth alarm level and continues to burn as of 7:30 a.m., authorities said.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the fire was first reported at around 1:09 a.m. at Gate 10 in Parola Compound and was initially placed under verification. Minutes later, the blaze was raised to first alarm at 1:18 a.m.

The fire quickly escalated as it spread through the densely populated residential area. It was raised to second alarm at 1:24 a.m., third alarm at 1:31 a.m., and eventually to fourth alarm by 2:00 a.m.

The Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department said more than 200 families living in the area have been affected by the incident.

As of 7:30 a.m., firefighters were still battling the blaze, which remained at fourth alarm.

Authorities are also investigating the possible cause of the fire.

Initial information indicates that a resident believed to have a mental health condition is being considered as a possible source of the blaze, though this has yet to be confirmed by investigators.

No official report on casualties or the extent of property damage has been released as of writing.

This is a developing story.