A massive fire overtook an apartment building in the Donelson area, forcing dozens of people out of their homes and looking for a place to stay.
The fire broke out at the Sycamore Apartments at 1441 Lebanon Road near Spence Lane early Saturday morning.
Officials with the Nashville Fire Department said 10 units were damaged, and another the 3 units were destroyed by heavy flames and smoke damage.
When crews arrived on the scene, they began battling the blaze in the attic. Investigators were called out to determine exactly what caused the fire and where it began.
Several people heard the fire alarms and exited the building. Firefighters also ran door to door, knocking on the doors to get residents out.
"I saw firefighters around and I smelled the smoke, and was like ok this is for real,” said resident Josh Gibbs.
He and other residents watched as their lives were changed by the fire.
"It was kind of a shocked look of what's going on. And everyone's pretty confused and then they see the flames, hear the sirens, and smell the smoke and some people are in tears," said District Chief Tim Moyers.
Residents got a better glimpse of the damage as the sun rose. Officials said the fire left 20 to 30 people homeless.
The Red Cross was called in to assist those left without a home to find temporary accommodations.
Officials said there were no reports of any injuries.
