A 10-hour raging inferno razed ancient Tibetan town Dukezong in China, a popular tourist area. Over 2,000 responders brought the fire under control by 11 a.m.
Hundreds of buildings, including one dating to the early 17th century, were destroyed in the fire which began early yesterday in Dukezong Ancient Town. Most of the 1.300-year-old Tibetan town in Shangri-la, in Yunnan Province was destroyed.
No injuries were reported, but at least 1,000 people were evacuated. Sub-zero temperatures froze fire engines while winds fueled the flames.
Dukezong means “town of the moon” in Tibetan. The ancient city was built during the Tang dynasty.
More than 2,000 firefighters, soldiers, police, officials and volunteers responded to the fire in Dukezong. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which destroyed 70 percent of the town.
Raw Video: 10 Hour Inferno Razes Tibetan Town.
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