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Clair Mel house fire leaves two men homeless

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Hillsborough Fire Rescue firefighters battled a one-alarm house fire on Hartley Road in Clair Mel City early Wednesday morning, authorities said.

A fire was spotted at the house at 1718 Hartley Road near Windermere Way shortly before 2:30 a.m. today, Hillsborough Fire Rescue said. Two males were home at the time.

One of the occupants, Eric Vicente, said he woke up to the sound of smoke detectors. He ran to the kitchen area and realized the house was on fire.

"I just started running, taking the hose and splashing water on the house. I woke up my friend because he was sleeping, and I ran outside because the fire was too big," said Vicente.

Eric and his roommate managed to get out safety. The pair called 911 to report the fire.

When firefighters arrived, flames and heavy smoke was pouring from the house. The fire investigator told ABC Action News the fire started outside at the back of the house and quickly spread up to the attic where it was fueled by wooden beams.

The cause has been listed officially as "undetermined."

The two occupants of the house will be displaced because damage to the house was extensive.

"I don't have any family here. They are in Puerto Rico. I just rent the room, so it's hard for me right now," said Vicente.

No injuries have been reported.