Chester Fire Injures 2, Displaces 17

Over a dozen people are without a home after a two-alarm fire burned out of control in Chester, Pa. Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze broke out around 12:30 p.m. on the 300 block of Trainer Street after investigators say a woman left her stove on.

"The occupant was cooking and thought she turned off the stove," said Chester Fire Commissioner James Johnson. "She didn't and the fire took off from there."

Heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the row houses as firefighters tried to douse the flames. The fire eventually spread to four homes, displacing 17 people in the process.

"My son is deceased and all of the pictures of him are gone," said Vanessa Powell, one of the victims. "I don't have any memories of him now."

It took firefighters more than two hours to bring the blaze under control. The resident who was inside the home where the fire began was treated for smoke inhalation. Another firefighter was treated for minor injuries.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania is currently assisting the displaced residents.

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