Huge loss estimated in Shangri-la fire in SW China

Firefighters battle the fire at the Dukezong ancient town in Shangri-la, a resort county in Southwest China's Yunnan province early Saturday. The fire broke out at around 1:30 am and was under control as of 2 pm. According to the local government, a total area of 40,000 square meters, with 335 households, was affected by the fire. 242 houses were destroyed.The economic loss is huge, the infrastruture was ruined, a great many of cultural remains, thanka were lost in the fire.[Photo/icpress]