MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – A problem with an electrical outlet sparked a massive overnight fire that destroyed or damaged eight apartment buildings, officials said, leaving as many as 50 people homeless and injuring four firefighters.

Initially fire officials believed a candle might have started the fire, but by mid-day they reported that although a candle was burning in the apartment where the flames broke out, it was not to blame.

The Red Cross said 25 people, from babies in diapers to the elderly, were being housed in a temporary shelter near the fire scene. Interim Executive Director Lisa Michaud said the agency had been told to expect up to 50 residents.

Residents said they ran for their lives into the icy night. Temperatures hovered around 10 degrees.

It took about four hours to bring the fire under control.

“I threw the covers off of me because I thought it was just the heat,” resident Thomas Collazo told WMUR-TV. “I looked out the window I saw the flames at my window. From there, we just grabbed everything we could and we ran out.”

Firefighters said it appeared all of the occupants escaped safely. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries. They were treated and released.

Firefighters from 13 communities as far away as Concord and Nashua fought the flames.

Firefighters had problems with at least one frozen hydrant.

AP-ES-01-17-08 1238EST

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