200 families lose homes in Port Area fire

A resident prepares to jump from the roof as firefighters put out a blaze that destroyed shanties and stores selling secondhand appliances in Port Area, Manila yesterday. EDD GUMBAN                                                                                     

MANILA, Philippines - About 200 families were left homeless in an hour-long fire that hit Port Area, Manila yesterday.

The fire, which started at around 9:45 a.m., razed more than 100 houses and stalls selling secondhand appliances along Roberto Oca street before it was put out by 10:30 a.m.

No one was hurt in the fire, which reached Task Force Alpha, the highest of a five-level alert that means available firetrucks in the metropolis should respond.

Authorities have yet to establish the cause of the fire and the property damage incurred.

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