At least 36 forced out of homes after apartment fire in Durham

At least 36 people are without a home after an apartment fire in Durham on Saturday night.

Fire crews responded to smoke in the attic of a building at the Lodge at Southpoint Apartments on Holly Hill Drive around 9 p.m.

After searching for the source of the fire, flames were found in the wall between apartments – and had traveled to the attic space.

It took firefighters nearly 20 minutes to knock out the flames. According to officials, the sprinkler system inside the building activated, but due to the fire's location it was mostly ineffective.

"When I looked you could see the smoke and start smelling it as it started coming out," said Bill Travers, who had to leave his apartment. "That’s when the excitement started."

Red Cross was here last night offering hotel vouchers and helping residents.

Four apartments sustained fire damage, and eight others were damaged by water and smoke. Power was disconnected to the entire building.

There were no injuries. The American Red cross is helping displaced residents.

Durham fire crews said the fire appears to have started around the area of a furnace.