An early morning fire in East Orange left a mother and daughter dead Friday.

Donna Thompson Copeland, 56, and her daughter were found in the first-floor apartment of the South Burnett Street home. The fire tore through the building Friday morning, and then spread to nearby houses before it was brought under control.

The intense flames from the fire forced several evacuations of nearby residences. Several families are also without homes as a result of the blaze. The American Red Cross is providing them with food, clothes and a place to stay.

Fire officials say patrol officers alerted them of the fire and by the time they arrived, the fire had already begun spreading to neighboring homes. Acting Deputy Fire Chief Chris Weiss says it?s important to make sure smoke detectors are working because they can provide an early warning that can save lives and property.

Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.