Fire Engulfs Makati Community, Displaces Families
A fast-moving fire tore through a tightly packed residential enclave in Barangay Tejeros, Makati City early Saturday morning, reducing nine houses to ashes, injuring four people and leaving several families without homes. The blaze, which reached second alarm status, burned for nearly two hours before firefighters declared it out at 3:20 a.m.
Authorities have placed initial property damage at P4.8 million, while investigators from the Makati Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) continue to determine what caused the fire along D. Gomez Street.
Fire Spreads Quickly in Narrow Alleys
The fire broke out at around 1 a.m., jolting residents awake as flames leapt from one structure to another. Houses in the area stand shoulder to shoulder, separated by narrow alleyways known locally as eskinita, conditions that can allow even a small ignition to escalate rapidly.
Fire Inspector Rodulfo Aguilar of the Makati BFP described the logistical challenge faced by responders. “Nakita niyo naman yung struggle na nangyari, medyo dikit dikit talaga yung bahay tapos mahirap pasukin lalo na doon sa loob dahil may mga eskinita, kailangan natin umakyat sa taas,” he said, noting that firefighters had difficulty maneuvering through the cramped interior paths and had to climb to access some areas.
As engines struggled to position themselves, residents formed bucket brigades, drawing water from a nearby creek in a frantic attempt to slow the advancing flames.
Four Injured, Including Senior Resident
Four people sustained injuries during the incident, including one individual who suffered first-degree burns on the arm. Emergency responders treated the injured on site.
Among those forced to flee was Elizabeth, 64, whose home was among those destroyed. “Kasi po yung bahay namin luma na, madali siyang matupok kaya paggising namin, dampot lang nito, labas na po kami kasi malapit na malapit na po,” she said. She and her household managed to save their pets but left most of their belongings behind.
Rescuers also pulled one dog from a burning structure, according to authorities.
Families Displaced, Evacuation Center Full
The fire displaced an undetermined number of families in the densely populated neighborhood, a community characteristic of many urban areas in Metro Manila where homes are built in close quarters and often made of light, combustible materials.
Relief efforts face an immediate obstacle: the barangay’s designated evacuation center is already sheltering more than 300 people displaced by previous fires. City officials are working to identify temporary accommodation for the newly displaced families.
For many residents, the loss compounds an already fragile housing situation in one of the country’s most expensive business districts. In Tejeros and similar communities, livelihoods depend on proximity to work, making relocation both costly and disruptive.
Investigation Underway
The Makati BFP has not yet determined the cause of the blaze. Investigators continue to assess the scene, examining whether electrical faults, open flames or other hazards may have triggered the incident.
Saturday’s fire underscores the persistent risks in high-density neighborhoods, where narrow access routes can hinder emergency response and aging wooden homes can ignite like kindling. For the families along D. Gomez Street, the task now turns from escape to recovery — rebuilding homes and lives after a night when fire moved faster than sleep.
