WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Flames forced more than a dozen people from their homes in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday. Now, those homes are coming down.
Just 24 hours after a fire broke out on North Empire Street in Wilkes-Barre, the homes damaged by the flames are gone.
Fire officials tell Newswatch 16 those flames broke out just after noon Sunday and quickly spread to neighboring homes.
Several crews from the Wilkes-Barre area were called in to fight the fire.
Three people were treated for minor injuries and are expected to be OK. The Red Cross is helping 17 people displaced.
"We saw the smoke, and I went outside. They come down here, and I thought a flame was just coming out of the building right out of the house. It was 20 feet high and making a lot of noise. And I tell you, I give the firemen a lot of credit because whatever they get, they earn it. They really do," John Wojtowicz said.
One of the homes was torn down Sunday night. On Monday, two other homes were being demolished.
"When you see it on television, it's one thing, but when you actually come here and you see the smoke, you smell the smoke, you feel the heat actually, I mean, my clothes smell with smoke, you know after five minutes out here and you just hear that noise the roar," Wojtowicz said.
Passersby say it's amazing it wasn't worse, given how fast the fire spread.
Crews worked all morning, trying not to cause any more damage to the neighboring homes.
"It was devastating, the one guy looking for his third cat. It just crushed me, and I'm like, if there's anything I could do," said Tanya Lewis from Mountain Top.
The damage inspired Lewis to bring extra clothing to Vega Auto Center on Moyallen Street.
Victor Vega is offering his business as a hub for collecting donations for the families left with nothing.
"I believe it takes a village, no matter what it is, just to help out. I knew a couple of people affected, so I figured just lend a helping hand. It doesn't cost us anything to lend a hand and come together," Vega said.
Vega says his employees and family have been overwhelmed by the generosity.
"Showing how no matter how tough the times are, you know, we can always kind of come together and make things happen for people in need."
Vega tells us his family is sorting and washing the clothing before distributing it to those families affected by the fire.
Clothing for adults is needed. To help with that process, Vega asks that people label any donation with categories and sizing. At this time, they are just collecting only personal necessities.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.