ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — Over 30 people have been displaced after an apartment building caught fire in Fort Pierce Sunday night.
The St. Lucie County Fire Rescue responded to the 500 block of E. Weatherbee Road at around 11:40 p.m. Sunday and was able to extinguish the flames by 12:44 a.m. Monday. The entire 12-unit complex was affected, resulting in 33 residents being displaced. The Red Cross confirmed that among the victims are several children.
WATCH BELOW: Fire rips through Fort Pierce apartments, displacing dozens
The Red Cross from the Palm Beach Treasure Coast Chapter is providing the victims with emergency financial assistance and other additional services.
WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield spoke to residents affected by the fire.
Abigail Peterson, who lived on the bottom floor, said her family saw the fire under their door and rushed out.
"I fell when I was running out with my daughter," Peterson said. "She got burned a little bit on her chest and a little bit on her neck. It's just first degree (burns), but it could've been way worse. We're happy everyone made it out."
Peterson said she and her family left all their belongings behind.
"My kids weren't even dressed, we had to just go," Peterson said.
Santiago Williams and his wife returned to their home on Monday to pack up what they could.
"(We gathered) some of the clothes," Williams said. "[The] inside is crazy."
Williams' bottom unit was one of the four that were heavily damaged.
"In this moment," said Williams, "I'm in shock."
Neighbors like Victoria Conran offered a helping hand to those affected.
"It just feels like I have to," Conran said. "I know if I was in this position, I'd want someone to help me out."
Peterson's family is staying with her parents. Williams has a hotel room for now, but he tells WPTV he's worried about what happens next.
"Red Cross paid for almost one week, but after that, I have no idea," Williams said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
