The fire broke out in a 1,000sq.m parking lot on Cao Lo Street, District 8, at about 1.30pm.

Guards and local people could rescue only a few tens of motorbikes before the fire rapidly spread to the entire lot, with a number of accompanying explosions [as gas tanks succumbed to the intense heat].

Nearly one hundred fire-fighters and dozens of fire trucks were mobilized, but the fire was only completely controlled after over one hour.

No human casualties was reported but the fire burned hundreds of motorcycles. This private parking lot contracts to keep nearly 1,000 vehicles of local people.

Lieutenant Colonel Phan Dinh Vinh from the Fire Prevention Police Department of HCM City says that the parking lot is nearly 1,100m2 and the fire covered an area of more than 600m2. The entire iron roof of the lot was completely destroyed, and more than 300 motorcycles and a car were burned.  

Many expensive brands, as SH and PS, were among the demolished motorbikes.

"The cause of the fire has been determined. Someone burnt garbage near the lot, causing the fire to spread," Lieutenant Colonel Vinh says.  

The police have blocked the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

The total damage is estimated at VND2 billion ($100,000). The parking lot's owner said he could not pay the compensation right now.

The fire caused road congestion as hundreds of curious people flocked to watch it.