Fire sweeps through slum in Philippine capital, leaving thousands homeless

Thousands of people lose homes in Manila slum fire

MANILA, Philippines — A huge fire sweeping through a shantytown outside the Philippine capital has destroyed about 300 houses and left about 7,000 people homeless.

Metropolitan Manila Fire Marshal Pablito Cordeta says about 200 firetrucks are battling the fire that started at midafternoon Sunday and was still burning at nightfall. It spread rapidly in the slum in Quezon city because of strong winds and the scorching summer heat.

Firefighters struggled to penetrate alleys, which were clogged by people trying to save their belongings. Residents wept as they watched their burning houses.

A weeping resident, Glen Sardon, says “We failed to save anything except our clothes.”

Cordeta said at least two residents were reported missing.