The fire broke out around 10:30 p.m. at a row home located on the unit block of West Philadelphia Avenue and quickly went to 4-alarms, damaging 15 units before being brought under control shortly after midnight.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, but no residents were hurt.
Sunday morning, work crews focused on cleaning up and sealing the line of row houses that date back to 1919.
Authorities say an electrical problem related to a bathroom vent fan sparked the Saturday night blaze that spread through a common attic heavily damaging 15 homes.
"It was like pandemonium. There were like people, fire, smoke… there was just so much fire and smoke, you couldn't really see anything," said Tim Cunningham.
Sunday many of the displaced residents came back in an effort to recover important items.
"Just pictures of my grandchildren, and that's about it," said Jean Tolan.
One man returned to find his cat and an MG sports car parked close to the fire escaped unscathed.
But one distraught man was posting a photo of his dog, Lilly Monster, a small shepherd that bolted Saturday night during the smoky fire and was still missing.
Barb Steele recovered important papers and some keepsakes, but lost a lot.
"Just gone," said Barb. "It's just a lot of stuff that can't be replaced. My daughter's room is totally destroyed. She's got no clothes whatsoever.
Despite heavy fire damage, officials think the units may not be razed, but likely gutted and rebuilt to current fire codes.
All of the homes are rental units, though some folks have lived there for 20 years or more.
The Red Cross is putting them up for a few days. After that, those who lost their homes will have to find new places and start over.
The American Red Cross is assisting 11 families, consisting of 26 adults and 13 children. Anyone wishing to help the victims can make a $10 financial donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999 or visit phillyhomefire.org.
