Firefighters of the Manila Fire Department are still trying to contain the fire that broke out early this afternoon in Ermita.

The fire was reported to have started in a residential area at the back of Adamson University. The blaze, which also reached Sylvia St. and San Marcelino St. in Ermita, has been raised to the fifth alarm as of 1:30 p.m., according to Inquirer.

NEWS ALERT: A residential area in Ermita, Manila where several dormitories are located was hit by a fire on Thursday afternoon, September 26.

(Photos by KR De Asis/MPIO)#AlertoManileno pic.twitter.com/GUzBjjs71v

— Manila Public Information Office (@ManilaPIO) September 26, 2019

Dormitories of Adamson University and the Technological University of the Philippines were also affected by the fire.

NEWS ALERT: Adamson University opens its gates for everyone affected by the fire this afternoon. | via @rdngtn_#AlertoManileno pic.twitter.com/AXqmJriyh7

— Manila Public Information Office (@ManilaPIO) September 26, 2019

The university has since cancelled its classes for the day and opened its gates as a shelter for the residents.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the fire alarm levels determine the number of fire trucks that should respond to the scene. At the fifth alarm, the provincial/district operations chief is called to respond.

Featured photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office

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