Volunteer Firefighter Finds Own House in Flames in Malate
Pictures of him crying while in action have gone viral.
(SPOT.ph) A severe fire swept through a residential area in Malate, Manila on the morning of Tuesday, May 7, impacting 50 families—with one volunteer firefighter going viral for pictures of him realizing his home was part of the blaze.
John Justin Gagarin is a volunteer with the Leveriza-Malate Fire and Rescue who became visibly emotional when he found out his own house was engulfed in the flames he was trying to put out.
“Isa po sa volunteer ng aming brigada ay naging biktima ng naganap na sunog kaninang umaga sa Singalong, Malate, Manila. Sa kabila ng lahat, mas pinili nya pa rin maglingkod at ibahagi ang sarili sa kanyang mga kapitbahay,” Leveriza-Malate Fire and Rescue said in a Facebook post.
The blaze originated from a two-story building constructed from light materials at approximately 10:14 a.m., according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as reported by Manila Bulletin. Rapid escalation saw the fire advance to a second alarm within 19 minutes, but the firefighters managed to get the situation under control by 11:47 a.m. then declare full extinguishment by 12:34 p.m.
The BFP is currently working with arson investigators to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries have been reported as of writing.
How to help the firefighter in the San Andres, Malate fire
Leveriza-Malate Fire and Rescue is now reaching out for support to help Gagarin and his family rebuild a home. Those wishing to contribute can send donations via GCash to his phone number at 0969-631-1558.
“Lumalapit po kami sa inyong mabubuting puso para matulungan namin makapagsimula ang aming volunteer at kanyang pamilya,” Leveriza-Malate Fire and Rescue said in the same Facebook post.
Also read: Blaze Engulfs Over a Dozen Vehicles at Parking Lot Near NAIA Terminal 3
Can high temperatures cause fire?
Fire risks are "relatively high during summer," Philippine Red Cross (PRC) CEO Richard Gordon said in February. "This is why everyone must take greater vigilance and observe fire safety precautions."
You might recall the grassfire incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) parking lot and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol in April. This is because prolonged periods of heat can dry out vegetation, making it more susceptible to catching fire, especially if there are other ignition sources in the area.
High temperatures also often lead to increased use of electricity for cooling, which can stress electrical systems and potentially lead to electrical fires if systems are not well-maintained. This is what Fire Superintendent Christine Cula reminded the public while on the scene of the Malate fire.
"Pa-check po natin sa mga electrician, na tamang mga tao na titingin, kung yung mga kable ba natin ng mga kuryente, ating mga outlet is sufficient pa para sa mga appliances na ginagamit natin," Cula told 24 Oras. "Ayan ang common, number one cause talaga is ‘yung overloading, short circuit or ‘yung pagsabog ng electrical wires.”
Also read: LOOK: Chocolate Hills Hit by Grass Fires