Blaze destroys 100 homes in SW China ancient village

A fire broke out at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday in the village and destroyed more than 100 houses. Baojing Dong Village, built 300 years ago, is the biggest Dong village in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou. It was one of China's most well-preserved such settlements, known for its ancient Dong-style dwellings. It holds 470 households and nearly 2,000 inhabitants. No casualties have been reported and the cause of the fire is being investigated. (Xinhua/Li Lin)

A fire in a 300-year-old village has destroyed more than 100 houses. Officials say the fire in Baojing Dong village in the southwestern province of Guizhou broke out late Saturday and was put out just over four hours later.

The village's two thousand inhabitants are primarily from the Dong ethnic group, and form one the largest Dong communities in that area of Guizhou.

The village is also known for its unique dwelling style. Most of the houses are made of wood and are one or two stories high.

No casualties from the fire have so far been reported. And the cause is still being investigated.