FALL RIVER, Mass. -- Four women were killed in a fast-moving fire at a Portuguese social club in Fall River on Wednesday night after prayer candles ignited decorations.

WCVB-TV in Boston reported that club members delayed calling 911 as they tried to put out the flames with fire extinguishers and their feet. Investigators said that delay, along with highly flammable decorations, contributed to the deadly inferno.

"My niece ... and the others were good friends," said Manny Costa.

Costa's niece, Christine Costa, 31, died in the fire. His sister-in-law is hospitalized.

Before the fire at St. John's Holy Ghost Association, witnesses said, some women were cooking and others had just finished putting up paper decorations.

"This created a fast-moving, turbulent, violent fire, and the fire itself was made more difficult as people were trapped inside the building," said Massachusetts Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.

Three of the four women who died have been identified as Costa, Isabella Raposa, 67, and Emily Carvalho, 80, all of Fall River.

"You opened the door and the flames were already there," said one witness.

Above the hall, the residents of apartments ran for their lives.

"My house filled with smoke quick and we jumped out the windows -- me and my three kids," said one resident.

Tenants returned to the building on Thursday to try to salvage some belongings.

"It is just to lose our families. It is just unbelievable," said Joe Sousa of Fall River.

At least 12 other people were injured in the blaze, including two firefighters who were treated and released.