A 52-year-old man died after reportedly suffocating while helping residents put out a fire that destroyed several homes in a residential area in Quezon City early Thursday morning, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Based on an initial report from authorities, the fire broke out at around 1 a.m. in Barangay Pasong Putik and quickly escalated to third alarm.
At least 15 houses were destroyed in the blaze, leaving around 25 families homeless.
Investigators said the victim, whose identity has yet to be released, was assisting residents and firefighters in extinguishing the fire when he was allegedly overcome by thick smoke.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Fire Inspector Ericson Guila of the Quezon City Fire District said responding firefighters encountered difficulties entering the area because of narrow roads and vehicles parked along both sides of the street.
The fire was declared under control at around 3:13 a.m.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and the estimated cost of damage.