PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Authorities say a fast-moving rowhouse fire in southwest Philadelphia has killed four children and burned through a number of homes.

Firefighters pour water on a row home fire in southwest Philadelphia
Firefighters pour water on a row home fire in southwest Philadelphia ( 6 ABC)
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Fire department officials say there is no immediate word on how many others were injured in blaze that destroyed eight rowhomes and engulfed a total of 10 houses.

Authorities tell The Associated Press the fire started shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday, and was brought under control by about 4 a.m. There is no immediate word on what caused the fire.

Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer calls the incident a "tragic day."

Sawyer says, "This is a tragic, tragic day for the city of Philadelphia. We lost four children today."

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