Neighbours of a Newton Aycliffe home engulfed in flames in a suspected arson attack woke to screams and a bang "like an explosion" going off.
Emergency services rushed to the terraced home on Greenlee Garth as the street filled with smoke shortly after 1am on Wednesday, October 14.
The two women inside managed to escape with minor injuries and were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where they remain.
But neighbours were evacuated as the fire, which police are treating as arson, spread and caused extensive damage to the adjacent houses.
Drone footage shows Newton Aycliffe homes destroyed after 'arson' (Image: PAUL WILLIS)
One resident living nearby described the moment they were woken by what sounded like an explosion.
They said: "It sounded like an explosion going off.
"The whole street was filled with smoke and it happened around 3am this morning."
Another said: "I woke up this morning just after 1am to the sound of screaming.
"The screaming is what woke me up and I came outside and saw the fire and all these police and fire engines here."
Scene of the fire (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
A neighbour added: "I thought it was a petrol bomb going off, I could see the fire from my window it was shocking.
"The damage looks dreadful there's not much of the house left."
The fire service said it arrived to a "well-developed" fire taking hold in the roof bfore evacuating nearby homes as they tried to bring the flames under control.
Scene of the fire
Another resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "The whole street was evacuated last night after this happened.
"A lot of people weren't allowed back into their homes."
Police have confirmed many residents have now been able to return to their homes., but three properties at the centre of the blaze have suffered serious damage.
Drone footage shows Newton Aycliffe homes destroyed after 'arson' (Image: PAUL WILLIS)
The upstairs were burnt out, with windows smashed and blackened by the blaze.
The front door of one house was smashed and rubble covered the ground outside.
Another resident said: "I woke up this morning to flashing lights but I didn't see anything happen as I was fast asleep.
"I heard it was very hectic though and it's so sad this has happened. I feel sorry for the people who have lost their homes."
A large police cordon remained in place into Wednesday as officers investigate the suspected arson. Firefighters were also back at the scene to determine how the fire was started.
Scene of the fire (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
A spokesperson fo the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: “Shortly before 1.10am today (Wednesday), we received multiple reports of a house fire in Greenlee Garth, Newton Aycliffe.
“On arrival, crews were faced with a well-developed fire involving the property and roof space, which had spread into neighbouring homes.
“Two occupants self-evacuated before crews arrived and firefighters evacuated nearby properties and worked to contain the fire, leaving the area at 5.41am.
Scene of the fire (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
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“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
A police spokesperson added: "An investigation was immediately launched, and officers remain at the scene today as enquiries continue."
Anyone with information should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 16 of October 14. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.