Massive Fire Destroys 200 Homes in Manila’s Port Area, Displacing 1,000 Residents

Fire victims salvage belongings in the aftermath of two fires—one along Road 10 in Moriones, Tondo, and another in Barangay 650, Port Area, Manila on April 23, 2025.

A massive fire broke out along Railroad Street in Port Area, Barangay 650 in Manila during the early hours of Wednesday, displacing around 300 families and affecting approximately 1,000 individuals. The blaze started at around 12:03 a.m. and quickly escalated to a 5th alarm status by 12:20 a.m., prompting an urgent response from the Bureau of Fire Protection – National Capital Region (BFP-NCR), which deployed 25 fire trucks and one ambulance to the scene.

The Philippine Red Cross also responded swiftly, dispatching their own fire truck and assisting fleeing residents. Firefighters faced several challenges in battling the fire, including narrow alleys, congested surroundings, and overhanging electrical wires that made hose deployment and movement extremely difficult.

Fire still burning as some residents salvage their belongings

Due to the scale of the blaze, the BFP raised Task Force Alpha, which requires the mobilization of at least 25 fire trucks. Fire Inspector Leslie Ramos of the Manila Fire District Station 4 noted difficulties in crowd control and access through tight alleyways, further delaying firefighting operations.

The fire, which engulfed approximately 200 houses made primarily of light materials, was declared under control at 5:39 a.m. and was fully extinguished by 6:59 a.m. Despite the intensity of the fire, no casualties or injuries were reported. However, many residents were unable to save any of their belongings as the flames spread rapidly across the densely packed residential area.

Firefighters putting out the remaining flames

One resident reported that electricity had been out since 2 p.m. Tuesday, and power returned only moments before the fire erupted. Authorities have yet to confirm if the power restoration is linked to the cause of the blaze, which is still under investigation along with the total estimated property damage.

Amid the chaos, a man was arrested for entering vacated homes, though he claimed he was only trying to help. In another incident, residents damaged the windshield of a fire truck for reasons that remain unclear. Firefighters also struggled with limited water supply and had to rely on nearby water pipes to continue their efforts.

As the community begins to recover, affected families are calling for urgent assistance, including donations of clothing, underwear, and hygiene kits to help them rebuild after the devastating fire.