A two-and-half-hour fire destroyed 169 houses and injured a 19-year-old boy Thursday morning at a residential area in Dapo Street, West Zamora, Pandacan Manila.

Based on the report by the Manila Bureau of Fire Protection the incident occurred at 5:47 a.m. and climbed to fourth alarm at 6:57 a.m. until it was declared fire-out at 8:26 a.m.

A lone injured victim identified as Adrian Calayog was brought to the hospital after sustaining a cut in the head.

According to BFP, responding fire trucks found it difficult to get in the stiff alleys as houses were not properly planned and ingress and egress had not been observed by the resident owners

On the part of the LGU Manila, the Department of Social Services have quickly responded and provided a temporary evacuation shelter from the basketball court of a nearby barangay where they provided “hot meals,” and complete beddings in a small tent for each family.

Arson probers continued their investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the cost of damages.