In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a massive fire swept through a city block in South Los Angeles, destroying five homes, damaging two more, and injuring three people. It all began around 3:30 a.m. when flames erupted from an under-construction affordable housing complex on East Vernon Avenue and quickly spread to nearby homes.

Residents were jolted awake by screams, explosions, and the glow of fire outside their windows. Some fled with nothing but blankets and their pets. The heat was so intense that neighbors down the block could feel it.

Jerardo Diaz, 30, pulled his father—who had suffered a stroke—out of their burning home. His father suffered severe burns. “It all happened in a blink of an eye,” Diaz said. Half their home was destroyed.

In total, 140 firefighters battled the fast-moving blaze for over an hour. Arson investigators are now looking into the cause, as the exposed wooden frame of the construction site allowed flames to spread rapidly.

Two elderly victims were hospitalized with serious burns. Seventeen people are now without homes, just weeks before the holidays. City officials and the Red Cross are working to provide emergency aid and temporary shelter.

“This time of year is meant for family and togetherness,” said Tomas Saqueic, whose cousin’s home was damaged. “No one expects it to turn into tragedy.”