At least 16 people are homeless but lucky to be alive after a Newark fire Tuesday, firefighters say.

The fire began around 5 a.m. in an abandoned house on Osborne Terrace. Firefighters say the flames engulfed the entire house and spread to two neighboring homes.

One firefighter suffered neck injuries while rescuing some residents. There is no word on the exact cause of the fire. Meanwhile, firefighters say the three homes will have to be demolished for safety reasons.