The flames broke out inside the home on Fairmont Avenue just before 4 a.m.
Newscopter 7 was over the scene and smoke could be seen billowing from the building.
The homeowner managed to escape along with several residents. The roof of the initial house fire collapsed.
One firefighter suffered an injury to his hand.
Fire department activity stretched down Fairmont Avenue just north of South Orange Avenue.
The Red Cross says they are assisting 27 people from eight families as a result of the fire.
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