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Fire Rips Through Rowhomes In Southwest Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Three people were injured in a rowhouse fire in Southwest Philadelphia, and 28 people were left homeless.

Fire Chief Clifford Gilliam said crews were called to the 2200 block of South 68th Street at 9:15 p.m. Friday.

"When companies arrived they had heavy fire on multiple dwellings," he said, "so they did an excellent job of preventing the spread of fire after they got there."

It took crews about 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. Gilliam said the fire was confined to three rowhomes, but other houses had to be evacuated.

Officials said two people jumped from second-floor windows to escape the flames.

Five people were taken to the hospital. One of the victims was listed in critical condition.

The American Red Cross was helping eight families with temporary shelter.

The cause of the fire was being investigated.

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