Fire Ravages Downriver Apartment Building

LINCOLN PARK (WWJ) - Several families have been left homeless just before the holidays after fire tears through an apartment building in Lincoln Park.

The fire took off around 3 a.m. Friday at the Parkview Manor Apartments off Old Goddard and 20th Street, just east of Fort Street.

Lincoln Park Fire Chief Steve Martin said the two-story, eight-unit building was engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene.

"We were trying to clear the building, went upstairs and the roof came down," Martin told WWJ's Mike Campbell. "We were forced out, but to the best of our knowledge everybody's out. We spoke with other residents and we believe everybody's out but we're still trying to confirm that."

Some residents ran out of the building with only the clothes they were wearing. Mrs. T. was among those who escaped.

"Somebody knocked on my door and told me that the building was on fire and we ran out," she said. "Once I got out, I watched it burn and watched everything just go. You know, we lost everything."

A cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

No injuries were reported.

Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.