Fire hits Parañaque slum; 300 families homeless

MANILA, Philippines - At least 300 families were left homeless when a fire struck a slum area in Barangay Martin de Porres, Parañaque City on Thursday.

The fire broke out at a squatter area at past 5 p.m. and lasted six hours, Fire Officer 1 Cristel Dangcalan said.

Dangcalan said responding fire trucks had difficulty in entering the site due to narrow alleys.

Arson investigators said faulty electrical wiring could have caused the fire.

No injuries or deaths were reported during the blaze.

Personnel of the city social welfare and health departments provided assistance to the affected families who are temporarily staying in makeshift tents.