More than 300 families, or around 1,200 individuals, were affected by a fire that broke out in Barangays 163 and 152 in Dagupan Extension, Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila on Tuesday, July 14.

The fire started at around 4:01 p.m. in a residential area along Dagupan Extension, Tondo. The fire escalated from the first alarm at 4:03 p.m. to the fifth alarm at 5:29 p.m. before it was declared under control at 7:26 p.m. Authorities officially declared the fire out at 8:59 p.m

Several displaced residents spent the night at evacuation centers, the barangay hall, and beside the remains of their burned homes, according to a report of RH Tina Nolasco.

On July 15, affected families were seen gradually clearing debris and salvaging whatever belongings they could from the fire scene.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, with an unattended rice cooker being considered as the possible source of the fire.

According to Barangay 163 Chairwoman Lourdes Gutierrez, the appliance may have overheated, triggering the fire that quickly spread through the densely populated community and destroyed the homes of more than 300 families.

She added that the owner of the house where the fire allegedly started has yet to be located.

Many residents were forced to flee with little or nothing as the flames rapidly engulfed their homes.

Among them was the Domenden family, who told DZRH that they were unable to save any of their belongings, including clothing. They managed to escape safely with only themselves and their 11 pet dogs.

Authorities continue to assess the damage and provide assistance to the affected families as cleanup operations and relief efforts remain underway.