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Neighbors Question If Rowhome Fire In Camden Was Intentionally Set

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Investigators are trying to determine if a fire in Camden that damaged several homes was intentionally set.

Firefighters got the call around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday when a two-story house on the 1100 block Of Sheridan Street caught on fire.

Doris Carney says, "I'm looking at the news in my room and I see Sheridan Street rowhomes on fire. Of course, it didn't click right away because I couldn't believe it."

Carney had lived in a home on that block for decades, but she was in a hotel Wednesday night while her home is under repair. However, her son was inside sleeping as the flames went from one home to the next.

Bill Carney says, "All I heard was the door bell ringing and people banging on the door saying, 'Get out the house is on fire.'"

Carney's home was spared from the flames, but three vacant homes were destroyed and a fourth was damaged.

Chief Michael Harper, of the Camden Fire Department says, "We do not have any firefighter or civilian injuries."

A cause has not been determined, but neighbors are convinced a group of kids seen on the block this morning are to blame.

One resident says he saw at least two dozen teenagers running down Sheridan Street, some of them arguing.

There are several surveillance cameras in the area that neighbors hope will help the investigation.

Doris Carney says she is just grateful that after 40 years she can still call her house a home.

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