A large portion of a Landers Superstore was destroyed by a massive fire early Wednesday at the corner of Belfast Avenue and Quirino Highway in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City.
The blaze broke out around 4:00 a.m. and spread rapidly, prompting firefighters to raise the alert to a fifth alarm as flames engulfed the one-story establishment with a basement.
Nearby resident Peter Fuerte said he woke up to a series of loud explosions as the fire intensified.
“Nung umpisa palang konti palang usok, maya-maya ang laki na… Tumakbo ako sa loob pagbagsak ng pader tumakbo ako… Asawa ko nanginginig… Sabog nang sabog talaga,” kwento niya.
Authorities declared the fire out at 10:48 a.m., after nearly 80 percent of the structure was damaged. Several walls collapsed due to extreme heat.
According to FSInsp. Bernardo Soriano, head of the Fire Investigation and Intelligence Section of the Quezon City Fire District, the store’s contents fueled the fast spread of the fire.
“Doon sa nakita sa mga video na napakabilis nung apoy… Halo-halo kasi talaga ito, department store, groceries kumbaga halos lahat ng laman niya madali masunog kaya ang bilis pagkalat ng apoy… Gumamit tayo ng self contained breathing apparatus para mapasok ang loob ng area,” sabi niya.
Soriano added that no injuries or fatalities were reported, despite structural failures around the supermarket.
“Sa pader na bumigay at mga salamin na mabasag sa kadahilanan masyado mainit… yung init nagpabigay sa pader tyaka sa mga salamin na nabasag,” paliwanag ni Soriano.
Parts of the ceiling collapsed, shelves were warped by heat, and various goods were destroyed. Broken glass and debris were scattered outside the building.
The Bureau of Fire Protection is still investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the total damage. Mapping and overhaul operations continued throughout the day to prevent flare-ups, with light smoke still visible past 2:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Landers Superstore announced the temporary closure of the affected branch, advising customers to visit other locations such as Balintawak, UP Town Center, and nearby branches.