19 forced out after 3-family house fire in Erving

ERVING, Mass. (WWLP) - The Red Cross is assisting 19 people and several pets after a fire in the eastern Franklin County town of Erving early Monday morning.

The fire started around 5:30 A.M. in the basement of the three-story home on Pratt Street.

Deputy Fire Chief Philip Wonnka told 22News that a wire in the wall caught-fire, and spread to the first floor.

"I told my daughter to go upstairs and start knocking on the second floor and on the third floor to let them know that there was a fire in the building," resident Roberto Rodriguez said.

Fortunately, there were no injuries, and all 19 residents were able to escape the home safely. This includes 15 adults and four children, as well as several cats and dogs.