Blaze destroys 320 homes in Brazilian slum

Sao Paulo, Sep 25 (IANS/EFE) A fire that broke out early Friday in the slums of this Brazilian city destroyed 320 dwellings, authorities said.

No one was seriously injured in the blaze in the Real Parque shantytown area, the Sao Paulo municipal government said.

Several residents were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, while a man who fell from a roof was reported in stable condition at an aid station, according to media accounts.

Officials estimate around 1,300 people live in the area, about a quarter of which was reduced to rubble.

The abundance of paper, wood and other combustible materials made it difficult to bring the blaze under control, a senior firefighter said.

–IANS/EFE