Two major businesses in the Marshall Islands capital, Majuro, were destroyed by fire early this morning.
The fire started at the Skyline Enterprises complex, which includes a popular restaurant, in downtown Majuro and spread quickly.
The fire reportedly started about 5:30am and by 6:30am it had spread to neighbouring company G&L Enterprises, one of the major clothing retail stores in Majuro.
Dozens of local residents helped G&L employees carry clothing and other goods from the store to the safety of a church next door and across the street.
Both the Majuro Fire Department and airport fire and rescue crews responded, but their trucks have limited water storage and poorly functioning hydrants hampered the firemen's efforts.
Two women reportedly jumped out of a window of the four-story apartment building next to Skyline Enterprises and were injured.
They were taken to Majuro Hospital for treatment, but no further details were available.
