MANILA, Philippines – Over 1,000 families lost their homes after a blaze tore through the Baseco Compound at Port Area, Manila Saturday night.

The fire, which began at around 9 p.m., spread quickly because most of the houses were made of wood. Around 500 houses were destroyed. Firefighters put out the fire at around 11 p.m.

Two people were injured in the incident and were immediately taken to the hospital.

"Natutulog na kami, nakita ko lumiliwanag kaya kinalampag ko mga kapitbahay namin kasi walang sumisigaw," a fire victim, Grace Ferrer, recalled in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

While most Baseco residents like Ferrer were trying to save their belongings, one was throwing his burned things in anger.

"Napakahirap, nangupahan ako nang matagal tapos ngayon may sariling bahay, nangyari pa ito," said a distraught Max Tadero.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), they are still determining if the fire began at the house of a certain Erick Lakay.

"Usually ang cause ng sunog walang kuryente tapos gumagamit ng gasera, kandila tapos nababangga ng pusa o aso," noted BFP-National Capital Region chief Senior Superintendent Pablito Cordeta.

The local government of Manila, meantime, promised to help the victims who are currently housed at the Baseco covered court.

Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno stated, “May shelter areas dito na can be made available.” – With reports from ANC and Wheng Hidalgo, ABS-CBN News