YORK, Pa. --
A six-alarm fire displaced about 60 people near downtown York on Monday afternoon.
At about 3:30 p.m., flames and smoke poured from windows and roofs from as many as four row homes along the 300 block of East King Street, just a few blocks from York's Continental Square. About 50 firefighters battled the blaze from the ground and from ladder-mounted hoses. They shut down the 200, 300 and 400 blocks of East King Street as they battled the blaze. At about 4:30 p.m., the fire appeared to flare up again. By the time it all ended, the fire had damaged seven homes.
Resident Hector Cosmi escaped his home with his two children and his wife. He said he lost everything to the flames, but it still could have been worse.
"Besides everything, I'm thankful because I have my family. And that is the most important thing is to have my family. Little, by little, I'll probably get everything back," he said.
Some homes were damaged so severely that fire officials said they may need to be partially demolished. About 60 people were left homeless.
There's no word on what started the fire, but fire investigators said it was accidental.
There were no serious injuries.
Red Cross Assists Families
The American Red Cross is assisting 26 adults and 15 children with temporary shelter and other needs.
"A lot of them it's very difficult. A lot of them lost everything," said Victoria Connor of the American Red Cross. "We're thankful that we were able to be there for them, giving them food, clothing and a place to stay.
The Red Cross said most of the fire victims did not have insurance.
Seventeen people at a transitional home for incarcerated women also had to relocate.
People who need assistance from the Red Cross can call the York-Adams chapter at 845-2751.
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