A fire that forced families from their homes on Martin Street in Hartford early Thursday morning was intentionally set, according to fire officials.
Firefighters were called to 67 Martin Street at 4:33 a.m. and found the three-story home ablaze. It took about 20 minutes to knock it down.
Three families, including five adults and nine children, were inside at the time but all escaped unharmed.
“The smoke detectors were going off but it was just too late. It just happened too fast," Krystle Conory, who lives in the home.
She and her husband grabbed their kids - ages 1 to 7 - and ran.
“It was scary. We were passing them through smoke, burning our arms, trying to get them out," Conory told NBC Connecticut. “The plastic was just falling, just falling. And we were just running.”
The heaviest fire was on the second floor, which is where officials believe the fire started.
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The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
The Hartford fire marshal, and Hartford Police Department Major Crimes division are investigating. Anyone with information should contact police.
