Firefighters are on the scene of a raging fire that has displaced at least five residents and forced one man to flee naked into the cold air, where he stood in the middle of the street until help arrived.

Schuylkill Communications Center dispatched the Tamaqua Fire Department at 8:44 p.m. for a report of a working structure fire at 125 Orwigsburg Street.

Arriving at the scene, responders discovered the blaze had quickly engulfed a century-old woodframe triplex and caused smoke and heat damage to an adjacent duplex.

Homes that appear to be destroyed include 129 and 131 Orwigsburg Street.

Flames shot so high and the heat was so intense that vinyl siding was melted on houses located across the street.

One resident said there was no time to act, only time to flee due to the fast-moving flames.

"I got up to use the bathroom," said Matt Oliver, 56, of 129 Orwigsburg St., "and sensed something was burning. It was already about four feet high and seemed to be at the back wall."

Oliver said he ran out the front door and was concerned about his next door neighbor. He stood shivering in the cold night air.

"I was in the middle of the street completely naked," said Oliver. Neighbors rushed to his aid, supplying him with clothes and a blanket.

It is believed all occupants fled to safety, some with the help of nearby residents in the close-knit South Ward neighborhood.

Oliver appeared to have suffered a cut to his leg.

The American Red Cross and Tamaqua Salvation Army are on the scene.

A Tamaqua Fire Department spokesman said it is far too early to know names of occupants and the cause of the stubborn, fast-moving fire. Flames appear to reignite along the upper floors and attic level.

Firefighters and other emergency responders were expected to remain on scene much of the night.

"We still don't know any details," said Jim Connely, chief, American Hose Company.

According to courthouse records, the owner of 131 Orwigsburg is listed at Rozanne Brozyno.

Two vehicles, one belonging to Oliver, also were destroyed by the flames.

More details as they become available.