Fifteen families, or 55 individuals, were forced to leave their homes after a fire tore through a residential area along Marzan Street in Barangay 453, Sampaloc, Manila, as heavy rain poured over the city Monday night, Aug. 10.

One woman was also injured in the foot while residents evacuated as the fire rapidly spread through the tightly packed houses near Trabajo Public Market.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started on the second floor of a house and quickly spread to adjoining structures, many of which were made of light and wooden materials.

The blaze was raised to the second alarm, prompting the deployment of more than 14 fire trucks to the area.

Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control at around 11:37 p.m., after battling the flames under heavy rain.

The BFP said 15 houses were destroyed, with the damage estimated at around P200,000.

The nearby Trabajo Public Market was not affected by the fire.

Authorities said the affected families were assisted following the incident, while firefighters continued clearing and mopping-up operations in the area.

Investigators have started determining the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding its rapid spread.

The BFP reminded residents to remain alert, particularly when leaving their homes, and to check electrical appliances and unplug them before leaving.

The fire broke out as Manila continued to experience heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon.