ANDERSON, Ind. — Multiple fire departments battled a blaze at Applecreek Apartments Monday morning.
The fire was reported around 10 a.m. June 10 at the apartments on Winesap Way, near East 60th Street and Columbus Avenue.
Firefighters were able to get the fire under control, but not before eight apartments were damaged.
A spokesperson with the Anderson Fire Department confirmed three cats were injured and approximately 10 families were displaced, but no humans were injured in the incident.
The spokesperson said flames were shooting through the roof of one of the buildings as they arrived to the scene, with the windy conditions making it challenging to put the fire out.
Several neighbors told 13News they initially saw lots of smoke coming from one apartment building. Two of those neighbors then said they ran inside to pull the fire alarms and knocked out people's doors to help get everyone out.
"I saw the smoke, and all I'm thinking is I'm wishing it wasn't my apartment and make sure everybody is OK," said Marlin Braxton, who came home from work to find his first-floor apartment damaged. "I get out here and I just pour out in tears because this is the first time I'm living out on my own. I started off with nothing. Everything is gone now."
Braxton told 13News he's thankful firefighters were able to save his diploma.
There is no information at this time about how the fire started.