A two-alarm fire in the Bywater Neighborhood overnight has left five people homeless.
It started in the 3900 block of St. Claude Avenue near Alvar Street in a one- story apartment building.
The flames quickly spread to two adjoining buildings.
Eyewitness video shows flames leaping high in the air, lighting up the early morning skyline.
When New Orleans firefighters arrived on the scene they found two small apartments, a small shed and a wood frame double, all belonging to Shawn Edgerson's in-laws, on fire.
"By the time we got over here, my wife and I made it here, the back was already engulfed," Edgerson said. "Severe damage. They can't live here."
Edgerson credits a good Samaritan for helping his elderly in-laws escape their burning building.
"There actually was a guy who came down the block knocking on the doors,' Edgerson said. "That's how they were alerted."
All of the residents managed to get out, but one elderly man was taken to the hospital for observation.
NOFD Captain Edwin Holmes explained why the flames likely spread from building to building.
"The winds were blowing pretty strong last night, but we think this extension of this fire was caused mostly by proximity, just by being in close proximity to the original fire building," Holmes said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Holmes warns people to be careful when it comes to heating their homes.
"We're not used to this cold weather," Holmes said. "You have residents that will break out alternative heating equipment. They want to use a stove or they break out an old space heater."
Edgerson says despite the fire his family is still determined to have a good Christmas, even though his in-laws had just completed renovations on their home.
"Yeah, it's tough," Edgerson said. "But we're resilient folks. Came back after Katrina and we'll be back after this."
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