MANILA – Fire broke out at a warehouse on one floor of the department store of SM North EDSA in Quezon City, reaching third alarm as of 8:48 p.m. Sunday. It was declared under control at half past 10. No casualties were reported.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed the fire, which reports said started at a stockroom on the fourth floor but fortunately did not spread. The fire, however, caused thick smoke to blanket the floor, which had to be evacuated.
Radio reports said firefighters who responded were not allowed to go to the affected floor unless they had a breathing apparatus.
The MMDA said traffic around the area was heavy due to the incident.
SM Supermalls issued a statement carried in its verified Twitter account:
“The incident happened in the warehouse of The SM Store in SM City North EDSA. Our emergency response team was immediately on site to manage said incident. The situation is already contained. No one was hurt in the incident. Investigation into the matter is ongoing, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection. The mall is in normal operations and maintenance and clearing activities are being conducted. Thank you.”
