Perth Amboy Fire Leaves 45 Homeless [VIDEO]

A fire that swept through five rowhouse homes in Perth Amboy has left 45 people homeless.

The fire started around 3:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon in a row of homes on West Side Avenue according to the Star Ledger. "It started in the middle and had the potential to burn both ways. It could have taken out more than a dozen units. We were able to stop it with five," Chief Dave Volk of the Perth Amboy Fire Department told WABC TV.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control early in the evening but have not yet started their investigation. Chief Volk told the Star Ledger over 50 firefighters from Perth Amboy and six surrounding towns helped fight the fire.

11 families who were left homeless are being helped by the Red Cross with temporary shelter and clothing according to the Star Ledger. Neighbors are also offering love and support for the displaced.

"These are their homes. These are working families," Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz told the Star Ledger. "It’s just very sad... They were looking forward to spending this weekend with their families."  Diaz says her office will be accepting donations for residents.