Some residents fetch water to help firefighters. ABS-CBN News

Authorities respond to a massive blaze in Barangay Pasil. ABS-CBN News

A cloud of dark smoke rises from the burning residential area. ABS-CBN News

Some residents look on as flames engulf a residential area. ABS-CBN News

A cloud of dark smoke rises from the burning residential area. ABS-CBN News

Motorists were caught in heavy traffic as fire hit a residential area in Cebu City. El Kapitan Jarl

Motorists were caught in heavy traffic as fire hit a residential area in Cebu City. El Kapitan Jarl

MANILA - (2nd UPDATE) A massive fire engulfed a residential area in Barangay Pasil, Cebu City on Sunday.

The blaze in L. Flores Street was reported at 12:28 p.m. Two hours later, it was placed under general alarm -- the highest fire alert status -- which calls for all firefighters in the province to proceed to the area, the Bureau of Fire Protection said.

BFP said the fire started in the house of the Petalcorin family in Sitio Riverside, where some children were playing with matches.

The fire spread to three areas - Sitio Maharlika, Sitio Riverside and Sitio Lawis.

Authorities controlled the fire at 2:54 p.m., said Supt. Ronaldo Orbeta, deputy director for operations of the BFP-Central Visayas.

Damage caused by the fire is estimated at P3 million.

The affected residential area is located behind the Don Bosco Technical Center.

This drone video from Paolo de la Victoria shows the burning residential area in Barangay Pasil.

Last week, authorities wrestled with a 2-day fire that gutted the city's Metro Department Store.

With reports from DYAB Cebu