Fire razes 200 homes in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines - A three-hour fire destroyed at least 200 houses in Maricaban, Pasay City yesterday.

The fire, which broke out just before 11 a.m., caused traffic gridlocks along roads leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport: EDSA, Taft Avenue, Magallanes and the Tramo flyover.

Firefighters from all over Metro Manila battled the blaze, which threatened a gasoline station along Andrews Avenue.

Arson investigators have yet to determine what caused the fire, which left at least 500 families homeless.

Angelo Rendon of the Pasay City disaster office said they are still in the process of documenting affected families and the damage to property.

No injuries or deaths have been reported, he added.