A pet dog died of smoke inhalation after a fire broke out on the seventh floor of the Golden Valley Building in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Friday morning, June 19.
According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, no human casualties were reported in the incident. However, the owner of a three-year-old Border Collie named "Bumper" said the dog suffocated from smoke during the blaze. The pet's death was the lone fatality reported as of writing.
The fire started at around 8:20 a.m. and was declared out at 9:22 a.m., according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The blaze caused alarm among occupants of the eight-story building, which houses commercial establishments on the first two floors and residential units on the upper levels.
Authorities said all residents, most of whom belong to the Filipino-Chinese community, were safely evacuated. Among those rescued was a senior citizen with a disability, who was among the last occupants to be brought to safety.
Barangay 305, Zone 29 Chairman Capt. Ricardo Gonzales confirmed the successful evacuation efforts and said responders ensured that all occupants were safely accounted for.
Firefighters and volunteer responders encountered difficulties during the operation, as hoses had to be manually hauled up to the seventh floor.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire. While some residents interviewed suggested that the blaze may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring, fire officials have not confirmed the speculation and said an investigation remains ongoing.
