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24 displaced after fire rips thru 3 Hertel homes

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No one was seriously hurt, but two dozen people were displaced following a fire that started in one North Buffalo home and spread to two others.

"I am still shaking about it," said Adam Fenske, the homeowner. "I am very happy to be alive. That's all I can put into words."

Buffalo fire officials say the fire appears to have started around 10:30am at 91 Crestwood Avenue, then spread to neighboring homes on each side.

A number of people were home at the time of the fire, and all of them were able to get out. Firefighters say there were five minor injuries.

At least one person inside one of the homes was burned, and a firefighter hurt his knee at the scene.

Fire officials say the high winds and narrow streets made this a difficult fire to fight. 

Watching his friends lose everything was especially hard for close friend Brandon Gorman. He knew he needed to help, so he started a Go Fund Me account. Within hours, it had raised more than $15,000.

"I was just astonished," said Gorman. "My thinking was just to get these guys some clothes because everything they have is gone. The generosity of this community is unbelievable. Thank you to everyone who has done such great things for my friends."