Three families were forced out of their homes Tuesday morning by a fast-moving fire.Firefighters say the Ellis Avenue blaze was a tough fire to contain. It took firefighters several hours to get the blaze under control and even longer to extinguish hot spots.

According to firefighters, the flames spread quickly because the homes were wood-framed. Firefighters say they had to rescue five people from the fire. Authorities say three people were taken to the hospital.It is not yet known what caused the blaze. The flames started in a home that neighbors say was vacant, but constantly occupied by squatters.