CLARK FREEPORT -- Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc. (YTPI), the biggest tire manufacturing firm in Southeast Asia, indefinitely suspended work operations a day after one of its warehouses was razed by fire Sunday afternoon.
YTPI Vice President for administration Angelina Casasola on Monday, May 15, said 2,000 employees were advised not to report for work due to stoppage of plant operations.
“Work is indefinitely suspended now while clearing operations are ongoing,” Casasola said.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) spokesperson Chief Inspector Mitch Hadjula said arson investigators have yet to determine the cost of damage as they are still checking the cause of the incident that reached Task Force Bravo.
At 3:15 p.m. Sunday, fire razed one of the warehouses of Yokohama where the finished tires were stored. At 5:30 p.m., the blaze was reportedly placed under control as 10 firefighters inside and out of Clark responded to the incident.
“Firefighters from Clark's surroundings communities rushed to help put out the fire,” said Hadjula, adding that firemen encountered difficulties at the scene due to black thick smoke emanating from the tire factory.
No casualty was reported during the two-hour fire.