MANILA (Updated) -- Authorities said 15,000 residents of Tondo, Manila have lost their homes in a fire that raged overnight before being put out Wednesday morning.
Fire department officials said about 1,000 homes were gutted in the sprawling Parola Compound, where several families often share tiny houses running along narrow alleyways.
Fire Senior Superintendent Wilberto Tiu said the fire started around 9:38 p.m. at the house of a certain Andang, a resident of Area B, Gate 7.
He said the flames spread to the nearby Gate 2 situated at the back portion of Gate 7.
The fire reached Task Force Delta before it was put out Wednesday. The cause is under investigation.
Fire officer Edilberto Cruz said seven people suffered minor injuries in the fire.
Social welfare officer Regina Jane Mata said three evacuation centers have been opened, and food and water are being provided to the 3,000 families who lost their homes.
Many people were huddled on a nearby road with their belongings, including clothes and even washing machines and electric fans.
The Bureau of Fire Protection said damage due to the fire reached P6 million. (AP/Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)