BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Fire officials are calling a local home a total loss, but residents said it could have been worse.

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Images: Fire Guts Nonprofit's Three-Story House

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A massive fire gutted a Brooklyn house run by JCC Association -- a nonprofit organization that provides help and educational services for foster families and children.

Officials said the fire broke out at 663 Rugby Road in Flatbush.

Sources tell NewsChannel 4 that someone smoking a cigarette on the second floor of the home in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn may have flicked the ashes outside, only to have the wind blow them back in and ignite the house.

A short time later, flames spread from the second floor to the third floor and finally to the attic.

One firefighter was hurt, but his injury was not as serious as emergency medical teams first believed.

As for people who live and work nearby, many said they were afraid for the young residents of the home.