A fast-moving fire tore through multiple homes in Wappingers Falls early Saturday morning, sending three people to the hospital and prompting a large response from several fire departments.

The fire broke out around 1 a.m. at 6 Dutchess Ave.

When firefighters arrived, the three-family home was already fully engulfed in flames, with three nearby vehicles also on fire.

According to fire officials, all residents were able to escape the burning structure. They say three people were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

The fire damaged three homes — 4, 6 and 8 Dutchess Ave. — before it was brought under control. Crews were on the scene for more than an hour and 40 minutes before fully extinguishing the flames.

“It was bad. It was very bad,” said nearby resident Chris Norat. “How is anyone going to make it out of this? It took a while for the fire department to come, so it got very scary.”

One resident reported losing a cat and a dog in the fire. Officials have not confirmed where the fire started, and the cause remains under investigation.

Monetary donations to help displaced residents are being accepted at the Wappingers Falls Police Department.