980 families displaced in Cavite fire

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Up to 980 families were left homeless in a fire that razed portions of two barangays in Cavite City on Sunday afternoon.

Initial investigation showed the fire broke out at 3 p.m. in a residential area in Barangay 7. The flames quickly spread to neighboring Barangay 5.

The fire reached second alarm at around 3:40 p.m. It was declared under control at 5:30 p.m.

Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the blaze, although unconfirmed reports said it could be due to welding works in one of the houses.

The fire snarled traffic in the area.

No one was reported injured or killed in the incident.

The victims are staying in nearby public schools, which were converted into temporary evacuation centers.