Thanksgiving Eve fire damages 10 homes, leaves 39 displaced in Norristown

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- A fire in Norristown, Pennsylvania damaged 10 homes and left nearly 40 people displaced on Wednesday.

The call came in around 2:45 p.m. for flames coming from a rowhome on the 700 block of Lafayette Street.

Norristown residents witnessed flames shooting from the second floor. Some people, including Bernon Perry, jumped in to save his neighbors.

"I come out and start knocking on every door on the block, banging, getting everyone out of their house," said Perry, who witnessed the flames spread quickly to surrounding rowhomes.

"I didn't think about me getting hurt. I'm thinking about saving somebody's life. That's what came over me," Perry added.

Firefighters were able to get the flames under control in about two hours.

The American Red Cross is helping 39 residents. A shelter has opened at Blockson Middle School in Norristown for those impacted.

No injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

For anyone looking to help the victims, donations are welcome. Officials in Montgomery County said donations can be made through the Ebenezer Foundation. The foundation's goal is to collect $1,000 for each of the 11 families by the end of the holiday season.

Officials urge the community not to drop off donations at the shelter.