A fire destroyed about 150 houses in Malate, Manila, early Wednesday, leaving nearly 200 families, or roughly 650 people, without homes, authorities said.

The fire broke out at around 1:10 a.m. on Arellano Street in Barangay 739, Malate. The Bureau of Fire Protection raised the alarm to the fourth level as the flames rapidly spread to neighboring houses.

According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, BFP Chief Inspector Demetrio Sablan said the fire started at a house at No. 1284 Gonzales Street before spreading to adjacent residences.

The blaze reached the first alarm at 1:16 a.m., the second alarm at 1:18 a.m., the third alarm at 1:27 a.m. and the fourth alarm at 1:41 a.m. It was placed under control at 3:44 a.m.

Sablan said most of the affected houses were made of light materials, allowing the fire to spread quickly. Initial estimates placed property damage at around 600,000 pesos.

Some residents claimed the fire may have been deliberately set following a dispute between a married couple. Sablan, however, said authorities were still verifying the information and investigating the cause.

“May natanggap tayo na initial information pero hindi pa siya verified so hindi pa namin pwede ma-disclose,” Sablan said.

Most of the affected residents were renters who were unable to save their belongings as the fire spread. They temporarily sought shelter at Rafael Palma Elementary School, while others stayed with relatives. Residents appealed for assistance from the government.

The Manila Public Information Office said the Manila Department of Social Welfare immediately responded to the incident and distributed hot meals, bread and drinking water to affected families Wednesday morning.

The MDSW was also conducting interviews, assessments and validation of affected families and individuals to determine their needs and the services required.