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Dozens of Families Displaced by Massive Bronx Building Fire, Officials Say

By  Ben Fractenberg and Aidan Gardiner | November 30, 2015 2:06pm | Updated on November 30, 2015 5:25pm

 About two dozen families were displaced after a massive fire at 1750 Montgomery Ave., officials said, Nov. 30, 2015. 
Bronx Montgomery Ave. Fire
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THE BRONX — About two dozen families were forced out of their homes after 200 firefighters battled a massive Morris Heights apartment building fire for more than two hours Monday, FDNY officials said.

The blaze scorched the top floor of 1750 Montgomery Ave., near Popham Avenue, about 11:48 a.m. and wasn't under control until just after 2 p.m., FDNY officials said.

"I saw the fire. It was a lot of smoke," said sixth-floor tenant Victoria Darko, 55, whose apartment sustained water damage. "I don't know where I can sleep."

The Red Cross would provide temporary housing, food and clothing for the families, a spokesman for the organization said. 

It was unclear it would take for them to be allowed back into their homes. 

Janet Kyei, 54, was getting ready for work when she smelled smoke in her sixth-floor apartment. 

She opened her door and saw the hallway was full of smoke. 

"I got my jacket and I ran," Kyei said. "I was scared my asthma will act up." 

Kyei said she would be able to stay with family, but was worried about how long it would take her to get her possessions. 

"It is going to affect my holiday, my health. I am panicking." 

Five firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals, officials said. Two civilians were treated for minor injuries on scene.

"It's sad," said Richard Labov, 43, who lives across the street. "People are coming home to nothing. And it's over the holidays."