Newscopter 7 was over a fire that investigators say began in the basement of 215 and a half where no one lived, to three houses that were home to many families.
"Someone called and said our house was on fire," said Prisicla Maloon, a Newark resident.
"I have lots of memories here. I just feel bad for my family, I don't know where they will go," said Kenia Geromo, a Newark resident.
"(Were you able to get anything out?) Just my phone," said Ashanti Byrd, a Newark resident.
Louisa Aponte lives a block away, and says she smelled the smoke.
"I came outside, saw it at the first house, then go to all of them," Aponte said.
More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze that was already on three homes before the full force arrived.
"The battalion chief was here quick and immediately called for more alarms. You always get reports of low water at first because you're coming up on a massive fire," Newark Fire Chief John Centanni said.
The city was out to speak to all the displaced families, arranging temporary living quarters for most that lost all they had.
"We just thank God everyone is okay," a resident said.
