Quezon City authorities warned the public to comply with fire safety regulations as weather officials confirmed the presence of the “El Niño’’ phenomenon which is characterized by extreme heat and lack of water supply.

Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista also expressed concern over the steady decline of the water levels on dams supplying water to Metro Manila as areas in elevated spots are now experiencing irregular water supply.

“This will only get worse as the summer months continue to advance. Intense heat and unreliable water pressure are going to be deadly combinations in fire-hazardous areas particularly in tightly-packed urban communities,’’ Bautista said.

Bautista, who is running for mayor, appealed to local residents to be extra cautious about fire preventive measures as the common causes of the blaze like faulty electrical wiring and unattended stoves can be prevented through alertness and focus.

Although the city’s fire station units are up to the task, Bautista stressed that the members of the households are the first line of defense in fire prevention.