WILKES-BARRE -- Flames ripped through a home and damaged another in Wilkes-Barre Friday morning.
The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. at the place on Horton Street.
According to the fire chief, part of the home collapsed in the back.
Neighbors told Newswatch 16 one person lived in the house that caught fire. Police are trying to track down the homeowner, 61-year-old Duane Lawrence, to make sure he is safe.
That fire caused so much damage to the home, crews determined it is structurally unsafe and has to be demolished.
Newswatch 16 was there around 5:30 a.m. shortly after the fire started at this home on Horton Street.
Authorities are looking for Lawrence as they try to figure out how the home caught fire.
Neighbors say Lawrence mostly kept to himself.
"I really don't know him," said neighbor Debbie Adorno. "He's a gentleman who's lived there for the seven years that I've been here, but I don't know him personally."
"We don't know much about him," said neighbor Tanya Trevethan. "We never spoke to him. We've seen him around, but he keeps to himself."
Records from the Luzerne County tax office show the home just sold Thursday at a tax auction.
We talked to the man who bought it less than 24 hours ago. He didn't want his named used, but said he was shocked when he found out a fire ripped through the home.
Luzerne County returned his money, and he hopes Lawrence is found safe.
Part of a double-block home next door was also damaged. Five people in that house are being helped by the red cross.
Officials haven't said what caused this morning's fire in Luzerne County.
