Fire burns through Chester Co. buildings, knocking dozens of people out of homes

Fire tore through a Chester County apartment building overnight, knocking people out of their homes, spreading to neighboring businesses and causing local schools to close.

The flames broke out late Wednesday night around 11:30 in some apartments along South Third Street, near East Locust Street in the heart of downtown Oxford, authorities said.

The fire quickly spread to neighboring buildings and businesses and the response hit four alarms as thick smoke and flames could be seen coming from the structures early Thursday morning.

Oxford Borough police urged people to "avoid the area of S Third St from Market St to Hodgson St.," while crews battled the flames.

The Oxford Area School District closed all schools Thursday "due to a large scale fire in the Oxford Borough this morning."

The damaged buildings continued to smolder late Thursday morning.

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No injuries were reported, Oxford Mayor Philip Harris told NBC10's Tim Furlong. However, around 90 people living in more than two dozen apartment units were left without homes.

The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region said it opened a shelter at Penn’s Grove Middle School.

"At the shelter, we’re providing individuals and families with comfort and care, including a safe place to sleep, meals, snacks and water, personal hygiene items and emotional support," spokesperson Alana Mauger said. "All those displaced by the fire are welcome."

Oxford businesses vowed to rebuild.

"It will be a long haul," said Ed Herr, the snack food company owner and president of Oxford Mainstreet Inc. "It will have an impact, as you can imagine."

"A lot of people are givers though, so we will come out on top."