United States (Pennsylvania) - Numerous residents of an Easton apartment building had to jump off balconies this morning when a fast-moving fire tore through numerous units. The fire began around 8:20 at The Manor Apartments in the 300 block of N. 11th St. Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the blaze, which may have begun in the basement, said Easton fire Chief John Bast.

Bast said at least two firefighters were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. He was unsure how many residents may have been injured.

Bast said it took fire crews more than an hour to knock down the flames.

Apartment resident Joana Fonesca said her 8-year-old daughter called her and said she smelled smoke. Fonesca, her husband and children all had to jump from a second-story balcony.

Fonesca had a minor cut to her leg, but her children and 6-month-old baby all escaped.

Neighbors helped pull at least a dozen people off the balconies as others ran to the units, banging on doors and windows to rouse those who were still sleeping.

The Manor features garden-style apartments that were built around 1980. The complex has separate buildings with a total of 16, one-bedroom units and 32, two-bedroom units.

Northampton County property records list the owner as Rosko-Phil Easton Manor LLP of Verona, N.J.

According to emergency radio dispatches, arrangements were being made to set up a temporary shelter for all of the residents, who were evacuated when firefighters arrived.

Photos by User-Submitted
Written by The Morning Call