Burlington City Fire Consumes Four Homes

Nearly two dozen people are out of their homes tonight, after fire rips through four homes in Burlington, N.J.

The fire even forced classes to be canceled at a nearby elementary school.

The fire had a good headstart- 311 St. Mary Street in the historic section of Burlington City was already fully engulfed by the time the volunteer firefighters got there.

At least five other companies rushed to battle the spreading blaze- with smoke that could be seen for miles. They ventilated the roof- fighting from all sides- but, this fast moving fire spread to all 4 homes before it was out.

The good news all 5 families- made it out alive- including Stephanie Miller's mom Bonnie.

"i'm just trying to wrap my head aroundd what just happened, and count our blessings for everybody in all 4 houses go out ok, all we can be thankful for."

The fire started upstairs in 311- two children had some scrapes and bruises, and a man a burn to his face- but thanks to working smoke detectors and police and neighbors banging on doors all 20 people made it out.

"Anytime we have a fire of this magnitude where a number of people are displaced. It's traumatic, for residents and entire community.

Carrying boxes of memories- bags of soggy clothes- firefighters help this victim rescue what she can of her family's most treasured possessions- like the children's art and pictures.

I feel really bad, this young lady now having to pack up all her burnt clothes children's things to go where? Who knows?," family friend Diane Chambers said.

The fire was bad enough- they closed the nearby elementary school- it was a half day anyway.

Right now, they're boarding up the homes, closing the street- trying to figure out what if anything can be saved