Perilous Times
Philippine fire leaves thousands homeless
The Associated Press
Friday, August 27, 2010; 9:01 AM
MANILA, Philippines -- Officials say a massive fire has left thousands
homeless in two coastal villages north of the capital.
Fire Officer Domingo Gastilo says the fire broke out late Thursday,
possibly when gasoline a man was pouring into a container near an open
stove caught alight.
The fire lasted four hours, racing through some 350 shanties in two
crowded villages in Navotas city, north of the capital Manila.
Gastilo said Friday two people died. An eight-year-old girl fell to her
death from a makeshift bridge as people fled the fire, and another
panicked resident jumped into Manila Bay and drowned.
Thousands were displaced by the fire, but it was not immediately clear
exactly how many. They are being housed in a city gymnasium and two
schools.