People are evacuated outside as firefighters battle a fire that hit the Philippine General Hospital compound in Manila on March 13. 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Bureau of Fire in Manila on Thursday said it has identified where the fire In the Philippine General Hospital started.

Manila Fire Marshall FSSupt. Christine Cula said the fire affected the middle portion of the hospital's audio-visual room. 

"Meron din ako nakita doon na research unit ng adult medicine. Isang area ito. 'Yun ang pinagsimulan," he said.

The fire that broke out Wednesday was quickly extinguished while the evacuation of PGH patients was systematic, officials said.

The BFP said the hospital can resume operations.

Due to the incident, the PGH is requesting the public not to bring emergency cases to them for the meantime, due to the backlog of patients in the said unit.

"Ang amin pong emergency room ay hindi pa tumatanggap ng mga pasyente dahil may mga areas pa na kailangan linisin sa loob ng PGH at punong-puno pa po yung emergency room ng ospital. Unahin muna po natin itong mga ito na maipasok sa ospital. Dahil po sa nangyaring sunog, marami pong backlog kaya ang appeal namin hindi muna kami tatanggap ng mga ordinary kaso except po yung mga life-threatening emergencies po," said PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario.

During the fire, no one was injured among the patients as they were promptly evacuated.

However, two PGH employees were admitted due to difficulty in breathing.

PGH continues to accept other patients, including those at the Outpatient Department.

The BFP once again reminded the public to be cautious, especially with  electrical lines and old appliances, to prevent fires.