A massive fire in Happyland, Tondo, Manila reached the 5th alarm and was escalated to Task Force Charlie at 10:57 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6.
According to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the fire ignited earlier at around 9:47 a.m. in Aroma Compound, Road 10, Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila. The flames quickly spread as most of the houses were made of light materials.
The fire was successfully extinguished at around 12:34 p.m.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and other officials from Manila City Hall were seen visiting the area to coordinate with authorities.
Many fire and rescue volunteers responded to help the victims, along with medical teams attending to the injured.
The Philippine Air Force deployed a helicopter to drop water from the air to help contain the fire.
More than 50 fire trucks were dispatched to the scene. However, firefighters faced challenges due to low water supply.
According to Jay Reyes Dela Fuente, Director of the Manila Department of Social Welfare, five buildings were badly damaged—specifically Buildings 9, 13, 17, 21, and 25. Each building housed around 160 families, except Building 25 which had approximately 300 families. Other buildings reportedly accommodated over 200 families each.
The Philippine Red Cross reported that two individuals required urgent medical assistance.
Several properties were destroyed, and officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Affected residents are temporarily staying in four covered courts.
