MANILA — On Wednesday, a large portion of the Landers Superstore in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City, at the intersection of Belfast Avenue and Quirino Highway, was gutted.

Around 4 in the morning, the fire started. It quickly spread, prompting the fire department to raise the 5th alarm.

Peter Fuerte, a local who lives near to the burned-out establishment, said he heard many gunshots when he woke up.

The Quezon City Fire District’s chief of the Fire Investigation and Intelligent Section, FSInsp. Bernardo Soriano, claims that almost 80% percent of the one-story building with a basement was destroyed.

He said that the incident did not result in any fatalities or injuries.

But some of the walls around the supermarket collapsed.

Around 8 in the morning, the fire was deemed under control.

The BFP is still looking into what caused the fire and where it started.

It is still unclear how much damage the fire caused overall.

In the meantime, a statement regarding the temporary closure of the burning branch was released by Landers Superstore.

Customers can visit other locations including Balintawak, UP Town Center, and other local branches, they stated.

Firefighters from the Quezon City Fire District and surrounding areas responded to the incident, with dozens of fire trucks and personnel deployed to battle the blaze. Thick smoke and intense heat made fighting the fire difficult, as it rapidly spread through sections of the shopping center.

Authorities also had to manage the risk posed by nearby structures, including a gasoline station close to the site, and temporarily restricted traffic along major roads to ensure the safety of motorists and emergency responders.

Groceries, household goods, and other products are available at Landers, a membership-based superstore. There are several locations in Metro Manila, including its Fairview branch.

The blaze caused disruptions in the Fairview area as roads near the scene, such as Quirino Highway and Belfast Avenue, saw rerouted traffic while fire units operated. Residents in nearby neighborhoods were also advised to take precautions due to the heavy smoke earlier in the morning.