BIG FIRE Smoke rises as a rescue helicopter (top) uses a water bucket to help douse the flames of a fire that broke out in an informal settlers area in Mandaluyong City. AFP PHOTO
BIG FIRE Smoke rises as a rescue helicopter (top) uses a water bucket to help douse the flames of a fire that broke out in an informal settlers area in Mandaluyong City. AFP PHOTO

Some 200 homes were gutted when a huge fire swept through a squatters’ area in Mandaluyong City Wednesday, leaving some 1,000 families homeless.

Mayor Benhur Abalos said the fire, believed caused by faulty electrical wiring, razed the informal settler area along Barangay Addition Hills.

He said it was the biggest fire to hit the city in its history.

Abalos said at least five barangay halls and basketball courts will be used as evacuation centers for the affected families.

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Superintendent Samuel Tadeo, fire marshal of the District 4 of the National Capital Region Fire Department, said the fire started in the house of a certain Jopay located at Block 32, Molave St., in Barangay Addition Hills at 2:34 p.m. yesterday.

Tadeo said strong winds fanned the fire towards adjacent houses made of light materials.

Abalos said firemen had a hard time entering he area because the streets were narrow.

A helicopter responded and helped control the blaze that reached Task Force Alpha, which means all fire trucks in Metro Manila should respond.

Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Supt. Elmer Jamias ordered the local police to re-route traffic.

Reports reaching Jamias said a man was rushed to the hospital after a fire truck ran over his leg.