In a recent incident, a fire broke out at the Manila Central Post Office, causing significant damage to the historic building. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has been working tirelessly to extinguish the flames for nearly a day. 


Massive fire guts Manila's historic Post Office building
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The post office's unique construction, with its old hardwood made of narra and molave, posed challenges for the firefighters. This article provides an overview of the fire at the Manila Central Post Office, the BFP's response, and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire.


The Fire at Manila Central Post Office


The fire at the Manila Central Post Office started in the building's basement at around 11:41 PM on Sunday. Due to the post office's construction materials, predominantly old hardwood made of narra and molave, it proved difficult to extinguish the flames. These types of wood burn slowly and retain heat, which explains why the fire persisted for an extended period. Despite the challenges, the BFP has been tirelessly working to combat the fire and prevent further damage to the building.


The BFP's Response


The Bureau of Fire Protection, under the leadership of Chief Superintendent Nahum Tarroza, has been leading the efforts to extinguish the fire at the Manila Central Post Office. The firefighters have been tackling the blaze for nearly a day, dealing with pockets of fire and smoldering embers. Due to the fire's intensity, firefighters had to ascend to the highest floors of the building at approximately 7:25 PM to combat the sporadic flames that continued to arise. The BFP's commitment and dedication are evident as they work diligently to bring the situation under control.


Task Force Alpha and General Alarm


As the fire persisted, authorities declared Task Force Alpha around 4:00 AM on Monday. Later, at 5:54 AM, it was raised to a general alarm. The general alarm signifies the highest level of alert, prompting all available fire trucks in Metro Manila and nearby areas to respond. This collective response demonstrates the severity of the situation and the concerted efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring structures.


Investigation and Future Plans


The Manila City government has assured the public that the site of the Manila Central Post Office will not be replaced with other establishments. Efforts are underway to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to shed light on the incident and identify any possible contributing factors. The findings will not only provide insights into the specific incident but also aid in improving fire safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.


Conclusion


The fire at the Manila Central Post Office has been a challenging incident for the Bureau of Fire Protection. The dedication and tireless efforts of the firefighters deserve recognition as they work to extinguish the flames and protect the historical building. With the declaration of Task Force Alpha and the subsequent general alarm, all available resources have been mobilized to combat the fire. As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the fire, it is crucial to focus on enhancing fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The resilience of the BFP and the support of the Manila City government will play key roles in rebuilding and preserving this iconic landmark.


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