At least three families were left without a home after a fire swept through a multifamily home in Bridgeport.

It happened early Monday morning on Main Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Firefighters quickly put out the flames, but the house is basically gutted.

Officials say the fire started around 7 a.m. on the first floor. The older structure of the home made it easier to spread to all levels of the house.

Bridgeport Deputy Chief Lance Edwards says it was a neighbor who first noticed the fire and alerted the families who live in the home.

News 12 Connecticut spoke to some of the families who live in the home and they say they were either asleep or barely awake when they realized what was happening, and feel lucky to make it out alive.

Fire officials say the Red Cross is finding somewhere for the families to stay if they need it.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.