This is the dramatic moment the Air Force battled a massive fire tearing through a slum in the Philippines.

The huge blaze broke out early in the morning in Tondo, Manila, and quickly escalated to a fifth alarm, triggering an urgent multi-agency response.

With fire trucks unable to navigate the area's narrow alleys, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) stepped in to help douse the flames from the air in Happyland on August 6.

The 505th Search and Rescue Group deployed a Huey II and a PZL W-3A Sokol helicopter, while the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing sent an S-70i Black Hawk to support the firefighting effort.

Footage shows helicopters dumping large amounts of water over the inferno as residents looked on from nearby.

Local media reported that the fire was brought under control after nearly three hours.

Officials added that heavy rainfall in Metro Manila also helped contain the blaze.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said emergency lanes were opened for responding fire trucks, while helicopters from the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of National Defense also assisted.

Authorities said 725 families were affected and have since been relocated to nearby schools and covered courts serving as temporary shelters. No casualties were reported.

The Huey II conducted 33 water-drop sorties, while the Sokol and Black Hawk each completed three missions, bringing the total aerial firefighting sorties to 39.

The PAF said that the operation was done in close coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection and other agencies, reaffirming its commitment to provide rapid support during disasters and emergencies.