Officials are asking for help from the public in relocating Bridgeport residents after a fire destroyed a multifamily house.

Thick black smoke filled the sky over the West End of Bridgeport and witnesses say it was seen from the other side of the city.

Calvin Edwards says he lost everything in the fire except for the clothes he was wearing and a single packet of razors.

"I had to feel my way out of the house," he said. "Two days, I can't eat -- I don't even want food."

Authorities say some of the residents who were burned out of the apartments are young, foreign students attending the University of Bridgeport, while others, like Edwards, are longtime city residents and senior citizens.

"We have several people that are displaced as of now, so if you have any rooms, landlords, please contact us," said Denee Taylor-Moye, a Bridgeport City Council member.

To help the fire victims, call (203) 360-6276.