7-6-2004
Blaze guts warehouse in capital
AP

PORT-AU-PRINCE -- (AP) -- A fire gutted a three-story warehouse in the Haitian capital, and authorities said they were investigating the possibility of arson.

No one was hurt in the fire, which broke out Saturday night on the same street of the Market District where last month more than 30 businesses were destroyed in fires that authorities said apparently were deliberately set.

''It's a criminal act,'' said Sibyle Sicard, an owner of the Georges Sicard warehouse, which held glasses and plastic ware, along with liquor and chlorine in the basement. ``I think some people just want to destroy those who have money.''

Firefighters said they were investigating the possibility of arson and that the fire appeared to have started in three places.

Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue appeared at the scene, saying he had come to assess the situation.

Brazilian troops from a U.N. peacekeeping force were on hand providing security.

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