2,000 families lose homes in Paco fire

MANILA, Philippines - A seven-hour fire left 2,000 families homeless in Paco, Manila yesterday.

The fire, which started at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, destroyed more than 1,000 shanties and at least P10 million worth of properties before it was put out at around 12:44 a.m. yesterday.

Major Bonifacio Carta, Manila Fire Department (MFD) chief of investigation, said he still does not know where or how the fire started, even after two days of investigation.

He said the incident is still under investigation.

No casualties were reported except for several residents who sustained minor injuries while saving their belongings.

The fire engulfed houses along Canonigo Street, Quirino Street, Gomez Street and Zamora Street in Paco.

Fire investigators are trying to check on information that the fire started at a house on Gomez street.