Predawn fire hits motel in Manila - report

MANILA, Philippines - Morning rush-hour traffic in Manila's downtown Sta. Cruz district was snarled Monday after a fire of still undetermined origin hit a motel along busy Carriedo Street. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that firefighters and fire volunteers cordoned off the Good Earth building as the fire razed the Paradise Motel at its sixth floor. Manila Police District (MPD) head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales ordered the cordon to make sure looters do not enter the L-type building, which houses several stalls. As of 8:30 a.m., the fire had reached the fifth alarm, even as police and firefighters prevented civilians from entering the building. Employees of stalls selling jewelry and electronics tried to save their wares, even as bystanders crowded the area to watch the fire. No one was reported injured in the fire, as firefighters evacuated all personnel and customers from the motel. The fire caused "zero visibility" in the area, prompting the Light Rail Transit Authority to have its coaches bypass its Carriedo station. - GMANews.TV