MANILA, Oct. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- A big fire has been sending heavy black toxic smoke into the sky in Quezon City, Metro Manila, for hours after a squatter area was hit Saturday noon by fire of unknown origin.

    Thousands of people have been rendered homeless by the fire, said police, who did not rule arson as cause of the fire.

    The squatters' community is located along the NIA Road in Quezon City in northern part of Metro Manila. No casualty has been reported so far.

    Although police declared the fire under control, a heavy black smoke torch is still rising from the affected area, making the horizon of the area look like a war zone.

    Fire frequently hits heavily populated squatter areas in Metro Manila that have many cupboard houses easy to catch fire. Enditem