MANILA, July 14 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out in a residential area in Manila, the Philippine capital, according to local media reports on Tuesday.
The Bureau of Fire Protection said the fire started in a community of light-material houses, allowing the flames to spread rapidly.
Residents were evacuated as thick smoke engulfed the area, while firefighters continued suppression and clearing operations to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby houses.
Authorities said no casualties had been reported as of Tuesday evening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. ■