Nearly 70 people left homeless after a massive fire devastates homes in Newark

Nearly 70 people, including 18 children, were left homeless after a massive fire tore through residences in Newark, ABC informs.
 

The blaze ignited just after 1 a.m. Sunday on Woodside Avenue, starting behind one of the homes. Residents were jolted awake by a loud bang.
 

"At first, I thought it was a car crash, then I heard a lot more banging," said Maria De Leon.
 

Fueled by strong winds, the fire quickly spread to three additional buildings, escalating to a three-alarm blaze. Thirteen families were forced to flee into the freezing night, grabbing whatever belongings they could.
 

"They only knew the smoke alarm went off, and they all ran out. I saw them shivering outside, so my wife took them in," said Rafael De Leon.
 

Rafael and his wife sheltered one family until the Red Cross relocated them to a temporary shelter at a nearby recreation center. His sister, Maria, who has lived on the block for 50 years,