Fire sweeps through slum in Philippine capital, killing 1 and leaving thousands homeless

One dead, thousands homeless in Manila slum fire

MANILA, Philippines — A huge fire that swept through a shantytown outside the Philippine capital has killed one resident, destroyed about 600 houses and left more than 10,000 people homeless.

Metropolitan Manila Fire Marshal Pablito Cordeta says about 200 firetrucks battled Sunday’s fire, which also injured five people, including three firefighters. 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, said “We failed to save anything except our clothes.”