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At Least 17 Residents, Business Owners Displaced By Queen Village Fire

By Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A fire in the Queen Village neighborhood of South Philadelphia killed a veteran fire captain, injured another firefighter and ripped through several homes and businesses.

Residents of the neighborhood are still trying to wrap their heads around the tragedy.

Nearly 18 hours after the fire started, you could still taste the ash in the air (see previous story).

The fire is believed to have started inside of Jack B's Fabric at 4th and Fitzwater before spreading to neighboring apartments and businesses.

Cynthia Ray is a co-owner of Urban Princess. Her business was right next store to Jack B's. "I am very upset right now. I just saw my store for the first time up close the whole thing is just very devastating."

Ray says her loss pales in comparison to everything that has happened.

"We watched the fire department carry the body of their captain out of the building last night, which was probably the most upsetting thing."

At least 17 people who were displaced by the fire are being assisted by the Red Cross.

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