Fire officials say they have ruled out arson in connection with a house fire in New Rochelle.

They say at least two people were home when the fire sparked Thursday afternoon. Investigators say it appears the fire began outside the home, which is zoned for three families.

Officials say the house on 18 Park Ave. is split into four homes and that about a dozen people live there. They say everyone inside the home escaped safely after neighbors rushed in to help them.

"All of a sudden the kitchen filled with smoke, we came running downstairs while the house was just up in flames," says neighbor Alyssa Gonzalez.

According to police, the flames traveled up the side of the house and firefighters had to open up the roof to stop the fire from spreading. They say the majority of the damage is on the outside of the home, although there is smoke and water damage inside.

Fire officials tell News 12 Westchester that the fourth family was living illegally in the basement.