The flames broke out at building on Orient Avenue just before 7:45 a.m. and quickly spread to an adjacent building.
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The off-duty firefighter, Keneyada Thompson, spotted smoke spewing from the rooftops and jumped into action, helping evacuate both buildings.
As a result, no injuries were reported. Sadly, though, many were left homeless by the blaze.
The 21-year veteran of the department says helping people is just what he does.
"I always try to look out for others if I can help them, whether somebody needs medical help, I'll do that, I call if I see a fire, I try to help people out in that way, whether I'm on duty or off duty," Thompson said.
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Bruce Springsteen's son Sam Springfield, who was sworn in with the most recent graduating class last week, was among those who responded to the fire.
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