Malate fire destroys 50 houses

MANILA, Philippines - Some 50 houses were razed when an early morning fire struck a residential area in San Andres Bukid in Malate, Manila yesterday, a day after a motorcade was held in the city to mark Fire Prevention Month.

The fire reportedly started before 3 a.m. at a two-story house owned by Felizardo Agustin on Radium street.

Arson investigators said neighbors saw thick smoke coming from the the ground floor before the house was engulfed in flames. The fire quickly spread to adjoining houses in the crowded neighborhood.

The fire was put out at 5:30 a.m. No one was reportedly injured in the two-hour fire.

Damage to property was placed at P1 million, though probers are still investigating what caused the fire.          – Nestor Etolle