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Worcester Firefighter Hurt Battling Christmas Eve Blaze

WORCESTER (CBS) - A Christmas Eve fire left more than a dozen people homeless and injured a firefighter in Worcester.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports.

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The fire broke out around 10:30 Saturday night.

Eighteen-year old Caylie England was on the first floor.

"Someone came knocking on the door saying 'there's a fire, there's a fire,'" said Caylie, who then called 911. "People were running out and all their stuff was getting ruined."

WBZ-TV's Alana Gomez reports.

England says about 14 people live in the multi-family home. The Merrifield St. building has six units inside. Some of the families have small children.

Worcester fire officials said one firefighter broke his ankle and leg but the details surrounding the injury were not immediately available.

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Neighbors said the flames were shooting through the roof.

"It was burning fast, it was burning hot, it was burning big," said Glen Carter. "I feel bad for them that happened. Christmas Eve of all times."

Investigators said the fire started on the third floor, but the cause has not been determined yet.

Residents believe the fire was started accidentally by a tenant who fell a sleep with a cigarette.

England said her first floor apartment just had a lot of water damage and she was even able to salvage some of her presents before staying at her uncle's home nearby. Her heart goes out to other families in the building who now have nothing.

"I feel bad I feel really sorry," said England. "I'm one of the lucky ones. We were furthest away from the fire. I am happy everyone got out safe."

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