Brgy. 105 Happy Land, Tondo Manila – A massive fire erupted on September 13, 2025, in two buildings within the densely packed “Happy Land” neighborhood, displacing around 1,100 families. The blaze began around 8pm and raged for nearly 10 hours, destroying homes and personal belongings.

Residents sifted through charred debris, salvaging what little remained, from twisted metal scraps to irreplaceable family photos. Social media posts showed children crying and families huddled under tarps amid smoke and rubble.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Manila mobilised at least 28 fire trucks and hundreds of firefighters, escalating the fire to a third alarm by 8:36pm. Fire Senior Inspector Ronald Lim said: “The lack of water supply and narrow pathways made it extremely difficult to contain the flames.”

Despite these challenges, crews battled through the night, bringing the fire under control at 6:01am on September 14. No fatalities were reported, though three people sustained minor injuries.

Temporary evacuation centres were set up at Barangay 105 Covered Court, Vicente Lim Elementary School, Barangay 101 Covered Court, and Antonio Villegas High School to shelter displaced families. Authorities continue to urge residents to prioritise fire safety in the densely populated area.

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