Two homes badly damaged by a fire in Yonkers yesterday will have to be torn down.

Fire officials say the blaze started just after 2 p.m. yesterday in a multifamily home at 53 Herriot St., and quickly spread to the building next door, number 55.

The fire went from a two-alarm to a four-alarm very quickly, as high winds spread the flames to the building at number 51.

One building had a partial collapse making it a close call for some of the crews battling the flames. Eight firefighters suffered minor injuries.

Five families, including 10 adults and seven children are now homeless. The Red Cross is helping those residents find a place to live.

Emergency crews are still on the scene making sure there are no flare-ups. Inspectors say building number 53 and number 55 will be demolished once their investigation is complete and a cause is determined.