BRIDGEPORT — The number of people homeless after a three-house fire late Tuesday is up to 24, including seven children, while the city Fire Marshal's Office investigates the cause of the blaze.

The house where the fire started, 480-482 Connecticut Ave., was destroyed.

The house next to it, 488-494 Connecticut Ave., is also likely a complete loss, said provisional Assistant Fire Chief Chris Martin.

"It's not livable. It's not inhabitable," he said, estimating the dwellings' value at $300,000 each.

The house at 472-474 Connecticut Ave., near Fifth Street, suffered damage to its side.

No injuries were reported.

The homeowner at 480-482 Connecticut Ave., according to Martin, "said she was watching TV on the second floor when all of a sudden the whole wall behind the television was in flames."

The blaze, reported at 11:11 p.m., burned rapidly through the structure after that.

"It was fully involved when we pulled up and we were two minutes away," he said.

Fire Inspector Lorenzo Pittman, who is investigating the cause of blaze, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Mid-Fairfield County chapter of the American Red Cross has spent $5,000 to provide food, clothing and shelter to the displaced families, Red Cross officials reported.

"This is the largest fire we have responded to this year," said Ramon Jimenez, the disaster relief director.

To contribute to the chapter's disaster relief services, send donations to 158 Brooklawn Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604, or call the chapter at 1-800-319-9935. Donations can also be made online at www.mfcarc.org.

Aaron Leo, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6222.