A massive fire broke out in a residential area in Barangay Poblacion, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, destroying 13 homes and damaging three others.

In a drone video captured by Nelson Barbado Madroño, the intense blaze and thick smoke are visible engulfing several homes in the area on a late afternoon.

The fire spread rapidly as firefighters responded swiftly.

Firefighters from neighboring towns and volunteer groups also helped battle the fire. Even residents extended a hand.

"'Yung bahay nung pinagsimulan, kahoy din kasi, kaya [noong] biglang umapoy 'di na naapula hanggang natupok na lahat," Edison Rosario, a victim of the fire, said.

The blaze lasted for over two hours.

The families affected are now staying with relatives, while some were taken to evacuation centers.

"Nahihirapan po tayo sa pa-responde dahil medyo masukal 'yung daan tapos papasok pa, eskinita masikip ‘yung daan kaya nahirapan po yung mga kasama natin sa pagpasok," SFO1 Ruel Garcia, Operations Chief of Urdaneta City Fire Station, said.

Authorities are focused on addressing the needs of those affected by the fire.

"Bigla pong kumalat yung apoy, wala po kaming nailigtas kahit ano, ito lang pong suot namin... Sa mga makakatulong po, humihingi po kami ng tulong, sa lahat pong kami nasunugan. Doble sir, hirap na dati mas hirap ngayon," Cheily Marie Garcia, another victim, said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is currently investigating the incident to determine the cause and extent of the damage.

"Sa ating mga kababayan sa Urdaneta, isang paalala lang po mula sa BFP na mag-ingat po tayo lalo na sa darating na Pasko at pagsalubong ng Bagong Taon," SFO1 Ruel said.