Fire hits Port Area

Two firemen were hurt when a four-hour fire hit a residential area in Port Area, Manila yesterday morning.

The blaze, which reached the fifth alarm, also partially destroyed the printing facility of Monica Publishing Inc. which publishes the tabloids Abante and Abante Tonite.

Arson investigator SFO4 Danilo Talusan identified the injured firemen as FO3 Ramiro Escamilla and FO3 Rodelio Nelvis, Both suffered injuries in the leg.

Talusan said the fire started at an old warehouse that had been converted into housing units along 12th street corner Railroad street in Port Area at about 2 a.m.

At least 50 families lost their homes as a result of the fire. — Nestor Etolle