DFA checking for Filipinos in apartment fire in Paris

In this image provided on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2012 by the Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris (Paris Fire Brigade) a fire rages through the top floors of an apartment building in Paris, France. The Paris fire service says 10 people have been killed and at least 28 injured in a fire in a residential building. (Photo by BENOIT MOSER / BSPP via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it was checking if any Filipinos were among the casualties in an apartment fire in Paris on Tuesday.

In a statement, the DFA said that the Philippine Embassy in Paris was coordinating with local authorities to know if any Filipinos were among those who died and were injured in the blaze that affected in a district in Paris where many Filipinos are known to be living in.

According to earlier reports, the blaze, which lasted for hours, killed at 10 people and injured 28 others.

READ: Paris apartment fire death toll up to 10; arson suspected

Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa Lazaro also condoled with the family and friends of those who died in the incident.

The embassy, meanwhile, reminded the Filipino community who might have been affected by the fire, to reach out to its emergency hotline at 0620592515 for assistance. /atm