NASHVILLE, Tenn.- A massive fire destroyed several units inside a South Nashville apartment complex, forcing 20 families out of their homes overnight.
The two-alarm fire broke around 1:00 Saturday morning at the Fox Croft Apartments. Firefighters say heavy flames were visible by the time the first unit arrived.
"A large volume of water is needed for a large volume of fire," says Nashville Fire District Chief Ricky Taylor.
Even before firefighters began evacuating people, neighbors say they tried to alert those around them.
"We started running outside and started honking our horn to get others outside," says Dante Smart, one of the fire victims.
Taylor says the fire affected at least 20 units. The American Red Cross arrived on scene to assist the families that representatives say included about 70 to 80 people. Many families say they lost everything but the clothes they were wearing, including brand new school supplies bought this Tax-Free Holiday.
Early reports indicate a grease fire started in the kitchen of one of the first floor apartment units. Fire investigators are expected to return to the site for further examination.
