Nearly 40 people in Norristown are left without a place to celebrate Thanksgiving after their own homes were severely damaged Wednesday’s fire.
Some displaced families spent their holidays at a nearby shelter as they continued their recovery.
“I came to this door four times today and looked at all the houses across the street, like wow, that really happened,” said Bernon Perry, who lives across the street from where the fire happened.
Perry still doesn’t believe in the fire on Lafayette Street. He says he’s keeping his neighbors in his thoughts and prayers. Perry says the tragic fire puts things into perspective for him on this Thanksgiving day.
“About how quickly you can lose everything and how quickly tragedy can strike,” he said.
Perry was one of the first on the scene. He went door to door to make sure everyone got to safety.
“It was pandemonium. That smoke came out and then turned into flames,” he said.
The fire ultimately damaged ten houses, forcing 39 people to flee. Some of the affected families are staying at a high school in Norristown for the holidays while the American Red Cross helps them get back on their feet.
Alana Mauger with the American Red Cross says there are still seven families at the shelter and they will stay there as long as they need.
“We ensure that their immediate needs are met, providing them with comfort and care, a safe place to sleep, meals and other services they need.”
The Ebenezer Foundation in Norristown is also committed to helping the families, partnering with local organizations to raise at least $1,000 for each family in advance of Christmas.
Meanwhile, Perry is grateful no one was injured in the fire, but his heart aches for his neighbors, knowing their lives will never be the same.
“I wouldn’t do that to anyone,” he said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
