A dozen people were forced from their homes into bitterly cold temperatures Friday when fire broke out at a multi-family house in Waterbury.
Fire crews responded to the blaze at 150 Waterville St. around 1:30 p.m. Everyone escaped safely, but the damage is extensive.
The smoke from the fire was so heavy it could be seen in the sky miles away.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. The initial call came in as a heater fire.
Temperatures were below freezing in Waterbury Friday afternoon. Fire officials said four engines, two trucks and a total of 35 firefighters all responded.
Tamara Lanier-Hanna lives in the home and had to rush out when the alarm went off.
“When I heard someone yell it’s a real fire everybody get out the house, that’s when I said OK it’s time to go because I live on the third floor so I didn’t know what side of the house the fire was on so we just ran out the back and got out safely," Lanier-Hanna said.
Local
The American Red Cross has been called in to assist the displaced families.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
