Durham Families Displaced Following Fire
Posted December 20, 2004 8:08 a.m. EST
DURHAM, N.C. — At least six families lost their homes or possessions after their apartment building caught fire early Sunday.
The fire happened at the Azalea Park apartments off Guess Road at about 3:30 a.m when most of the residents were sleeping.
Firefighters banged on doors and got everyone out safely.
"It's still a blessing that no one was hurt at that time of morning when everyone is dead asleep," fire investigator Robert Harris said.
Investigators belive the fire started in a cubby hole where something was stored.
"[The fire] was entrapped in the cubby hole for a little while and it spread into the attic," Harris said.
Some people lost everything, while others were abel to salvage furniture -- and even the Christmas trees -- out of their waterlogged apartments.
Those who lost their homes were moved to vacant units at the apartment complex. The Red Cross is also helping the families.