80 displaced in Lansdowne apartment building fire

LANSDOWNE, Pa. (WPVI) -- A fire broke out at an apartment building in Lansdowne, Delaware County, leaving approximately 80 people displaced.

It happened around 7:00 p.m. Thursday night at the Stratford Court Apartments in the unit block of North Lansdowne Avenue.

In the view from Chopper 6 HD smoke could be seen billowing into the air.

Residents describe their apartment units filling with smoke, then saw flames.

"I live on the first floor. It was right underneath me. I couldn't tell if the smoke was coming up through the front door but I saw it coming in through the vent," said Ronald Williams.

"Within two minutes there were flames on the bottom coming out of the basement and five minutes they were on the first floor," said Kadee Nelson.

Nelson grabbed her cat Olivia, running as she saw more smoke fill the stairwell.

"I just grabbed her under me like a football and we ran out with the carry-all - that's what I did," said Nelson.

Residents say it appears the fire began in the basement or first floor.

Thursday's heat played a major factor for firefighters battling the blaze. Many had to cool down and stop to rehydrate.

"That's why they're working in tandems because the heat is so bad outside and inside as you can imagine," said Mayor Tony Campuzani.

Emotions ran high as tenants waited for updates. Kenny Wright came to check on his 70-year-old friend after hearing that he was taken to the hospital for trouble breathing.

More than a dozen pets were found but some also died in the blaze.

Animal control officers and Red Paw Relief did their best to resuscitate them using oxygen and CPR.

The fire was brought under control by 8:25 p.m.

Officials say two people were hospitalized. No word on their conditions.

Approximately 80 people were left displaced.

The Red Cross is assisting those residents. A shelter has been set up at 84 South Lancaster Avenue.

No word yet what sparked the fire.