Six families are homeless following a Tuesday morning fire at 132 Holly St. in New Bedford.

Investigators are trying to determine what caused the three-alarm fire that left a multi-family home extensively damaged.

Fire Chief Michael Gomes told WBSM's Jim Phillips that the fire was reported around 7 a.m. and that there were flames and black smoke were pouring from the building when the first crews arrived.

Gomes says the occupants were all able to get out safely, and nearby homes were also evacuated.

"We were very concerned about the exposures on either side and the building has suffered significant structural damage," said Gomes "as you can see the walls are bowed the roof is collapsed in the chimney's collapsed so the building is very structurally unsound at this time."

One of those who fled the scene was Destiny Ramos who lived on the second floor above the area where the fire started.

"I was sleeping, I heard screaming, my boyfriend told me we needed to get out of the house because it was on fire," "all I could think was to grab my baby and go."

The Salvation Army was present to assist those who were displaced by the fire.

The building appears to be a total loss.

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