CITY OF NEWBURGH – A fire that broke out Saturday in a three-story building on Third Street spread to an adjoining building, and about 30 people were left homeless, authorities said.

Newburgh’s assistant fire chief, Robert Bain Jr. said the fire started shortly before 11 am. on the third floor at 129 Third St., and firefighters reported heavy smoke pouring out of that top floor upon arrival. He said the cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Bain said all the occupants escaped safely and there were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters. He said the top floor at 129 Third St. was left completely gutted and the building at 127 Third St. had some smoke and water damage. Bain said the Red Cross is helping the residents of the buildings find alternative living arrangements.

“The hardest thing about fighting that fire was it seemed to have a head start on us,” Bain said. “Some of the tenants tried to extinguish it themselves before calling 911, and that gave it a little bit of a jump.”

Bain said about 50 firefighters from six companies helped to battle the blaze. Besides Newburgh, companies from West Point, Cronomer Valley, Vails Gate, New Windsor and Middle Hope assisted in the effort.

Although the two buildings are separated by a fire wall, Bain said some flames managed to penetrate into 127 Third St. on the top floor. He said firefighters had to open up the ceiling at 127 Third St. to knock down that portion of the fire.