Workers at a Valenzuela City warehouse that caught fire foresee a bleak Christmas as their only source of income went up in smoke.
According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion, the warehouse fire in Barangay Bagbaguin, which has been active since Thursday noon, was caused by highly combustible materials stored at the back of the facility.
The intensity of the fire caused the weakening of the overall structure of the building.
“Malungkot po kami ngayon, magpapasko eh. Hindi namin malaman kailan babalik trabaho naming, sir,” said warehouse employee Arnel Baldonado.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention valued the property damage from the fire at around P422 million.
“Lahat nasunog eh. Burnt structure, burnt items, walang naisalba. It’s a big challenge for the entire company and employees as well,” said Herco Trading Inc. Supply Chain Manager William Sy.
Herco Trading stored hardware products in the warehouse.
A civilian and five firefighters were injured in the warehouse blaze.
“Yung structure medyo delikado na. Pag pinasok naming, nag-brittle na ang concrete. Brittle na ang structure. Pag sinupress namin ng tubig, baka bumagsak po,” said BFP District Two Fire Marshal Fire Senior Superintendent Douglas Guiyab.
Meanwhile, almost 800 individuals, along with their pets, took refuge in nearby evacuation centers.
The Valenzuela City government provided the fire-affected evacuees with food and other emergency items.
“Hopefully maghapunan muna mapakain muna sila. Gusto ko busog ang tiyan nila bago umuwi. We are targeting hopefully po tonight,” said Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian.
The LGU officials were inspecting the homes located near the warehouse fire to make sure that these were still safe to use.
Meanwhile, the BFP declared the fire was under control at 5:37 p.m. on Friday. — Jiselle Casucian
