At least 42 families were forced into an emergency shelter Saturday night after a fast-moving fire destroyed approximately 20 homes in Barangay 139 in Pasay City.

The Pasay City Social Welfare and Development Department reported that 167 individuals are now staying at the Capt. Joe Valdenibro Court in nearby Barangay 138.

Most of the homes involved were made of light materials, causing the blaze to reach the second alarm before firefighters could suppress it.

City officials said the displaced families may remain at the evacuation site for up to two weeks while social welfare officers coordinate further assistance. Local authorities have already distributed modular tents, foldable beds, medical kits, and relief goods to those in the shelter.

“We immediately sent tents, goods, and medical kits,” said Rowell Ramos, chairman of Barangay 139. “We also ensured food was purchased for our constituents right away.”

For many families, the speed of the fire meant they escaped with only the clothes on their backs. Resident Bony Andres, who suffered burns while attempting to fight the flames, said he watched his life’s work vanish in seconds. “It’s hard to start again,” Andres said. “Everything is gone — everything I saved for, even my children’s things.”