CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) — A fire that tore through four rowhomes in Chester on Christmas Eve displaced eight people and killed one cat, officials said.

The fire broke out minutes before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 900 block of West 7th Street, sending flames and smoke billowing into the sky.

Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire conditions and quickly called for additional help.

No injuries were reported.

“They instantly struck a second alarm which brought the recall of off-duty personnel as well as fire departments from surrounding municipalities,” said Chester Fire Commissioner John-Paul Shirley.

Flames spread from a corner home to three neighboring rowhouses, traveling through the attic space, Shirley said.

“The fire wound up extending into three other row homes through the cockwall space in the attic, it was just a lot of fire and crews had their hands full,” he said.

Shirley said there were no reports of anyone missing and that all residents were accounted for.

Eight people were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross.

“It’s horrible to happen anytime but it’s especially horrible you know on the holidays, tomorrow’s Christmas, there might be Christmas presents in the houses that now families aren’t gonna be able to get but we’ll do everything we can to help them out. The most important thing though is that everyone’s OK,” Shirley said.

Neighbors watched the scene unfold as firefighters battled the blaze, which burned through the roofs of at least two homes and caused partial roof collapses, according to Shirley.

Crews remained on scene extinguishing hot spots before going inside to determine whether the buildings are structurally sound.

James Reed, who lives nearby, said he saw the fire rapidly intensify.

“I heard the fire engines coming by, I look out the window I seen that they had a line, look down here and seen smoke and I went in the house put a coat on and by the time I came out it burst into flames. I believe it was like a common roof and just everything went berserk,” Reed said.

Reflecting on other recent tragedies, Reed said the timing made the fire especially difficult to witness.

“It’s terrible I mean, so much has happened this week… State Police getting shot down in Delaware, the thing up in Bristol, it’s always around Christmas Eve… Something always happens. Just have faith in God,” he said.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation.

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 24, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

04-25-31-52-59, Powerball: 19, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

03-05-07-17-34, Lucky Ball: 09

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

Midday: 9-3-4-5

Evening: 5-7-2-6

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

04-10-12-21-32, Extra: 29

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

• Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
• Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
• Winners of the Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Police are searching for a Burlington woman who faces multiple charges after investigators say she let her baby drown in a bathtub while under the influence.

The incident happened in October 2024. Police say Briana Arnold, 34, left her 3-month-old daughter in the filling bathtub. The infant then drowned.

Police said they found narcotics in Arnold’s kitchen and bloodstream.

After a yearlong investigation, police issued a warrant for Arnold’s arrest on manslaughter, child cruelty and drug charges. So far, they have not found her. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations at 802-652-6895 or the local police department where she is known to be located.

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