Flames were coming from every window when firefighters arrived around 4:30 a.m.. Watch video
UPDATE: 1 person dead in Phillipsburg house fire, prosecutor says
A fire roared through a house early Friday morning at 590 Congress St. in Phillipsburg.
The fire was reported just before 4:30 a.m. and flames were ripping through the home -- pouring from every window --- when firefighters arrived.
The resident wasn't immediately accounted for and Fire Chief Rich Hay said a search was under way, although it wasn't certain the resident was in the home.
The flames were knocked down before 5 a.m. but the three-story, wood-frame home was gutted.
Siding melted on the house next door and the garage on the opposite side.
Neighbor Joan Morris said she was awakened by the light.
"Then I looked out the window and saw flames coming out the window," the 24-year resident said.
She said she just a few days ago saw the woman who has lived for about 20 years at 590 Congress St.
"She gave me my Christmas present," Morris said. "She's a wonderful lady."
Dan Eraza, 36, lives next door to 590 Congress. He made the 911 call, he said.
"When I came out, flames were engulfed everywhere," said Eraza, a volunteer firefighter in Pohatcong Township.
He didn't see his neighbor and "I didn't hear any screaming. I didn't hear anything," he said.
Eraza has lived for more than a year on the block and his neighbor isn't outside much, he said.
"She's quiet," he said. "She kept to herself. The perfect neighbor."
The siding melted on Eraza's home, but he said he wasn't concerned about that as he stood several feet away, calming his dog. Several firefighters worked to get into the neighbor's home.
Eraza said police were there in seconds and the fire department made "excellent time" in getting to the home.
"I commend them," he said. "They all did a great job."
Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.