ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Authorities believe a fatal apartment fire in Rocky Mount started in the kitchen.

Fire crews were called out at 6:45 a.m. Friday to the Tau Valley Apartments on South Winstead Avenue. Crews said the fire was contained to a building that contained four apartment units.

"I woke up this morning and smelled smoke in the house," said resident Jeff Bradshaw. "By that time, somebody was beating at my door and told me to get out because there was a fire. By the time, we got up, the whole apartment was covered in smoke."

Officials said the apartment the fire started in is a total loss. The other three units suffered heavy smoke damage.

Authorities said a 59-year-old man died in the fire. Authorities have not yet released his name. One woman was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

The Red Cross is helping displaced residents find a place to stay.