UPDATED | Four people were injured and more than 600 families were displaced after a large fire hit a residential area in Lower Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City early Thursday, escalating to Task Force Alpha.

Authorities said the blaze affected over 1,800 residents and destroyed more than 300 houses. Estimated damage to property reached around P900,000.

Officials reported that many of the houses were made of light materials, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire through the densely populated area.

Firefighting operations involved nearly all Bureau of Fire Protection units across Metro Manila, along with volunteer fire brigades. A total of 94 fire trucks responded to the incident.

The fire burned for more than six hours before being placed under control at around 5:50 a.m. Thick smoke continued to linger over the area even after containment.

The injured included a 40-year-old man who sustained burns and was treated at the scene, while three others received medical attention from the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. These included an elderly man who suffered a head injury after falling, another 40-year-old man with minor foot injuries, and a 20-year-old woman who fainted. No fatalities were reported.

Authorities noted that strong winds and the location of the houses, which were situated far from the main road, made firefighting efforts more difficult.

Evacuation centers were opened for affected residents, including San Antonio Elementary School and other designated facilities.

Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire, which reportedly started on the ground floor of a three-story house.