Massive fire guts 12 apartments in Orlando, displaces 64

ORLANDO, Fla. – A three-alarm fire burned 12 units in three buildings at an Orlando apartment complex, but no one was injured in the blaze.

Officials said a child called 911 to report the massive fire at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday at the Royal Isle Apartments on Don Quixote Road, near State Road 436 and State Road 408.

Orlando Fire Department Assistant Chief Paul Plaugher said the blaze, which sent flames 30 feet into the air, destroyed several units. Officials from the Red Cross said they were working to assist 64 displaced individuals.

[PHOTOS: Massive fire engulfs buildings at Orlando apartment complex]

Plaugher said firefighters could see smoke from the large blaze from their fire station and found two apartments ablaze when they arrived at the complex. The flames quickly spread to the attic, prompting firefighters to battle the blaze in a defensive mode, Plaugher said.

"My neighbors had to go knock on the door and they had to come and climb out the window to get out," resident Kayla Oms said. "It looked like a big explosion. That's what it looked like, a big bomb. The whole thing was lit up into the air."

"It was just very scary," Ana Nunez said. "Just to see those big flames, and it was just scary. Then hearing the roof collapse, it's just very horrible and it's a nightmare."

No pets were harmed in the blaze, either.

"They self-rescued, just like humans," Plaugher said.

Plaugher said the fire shows the importance of being prepared.

"See something, say something. Like children do at school, we recommend all parents have an escape plan," he said. "Have two ways out in case one is blocked."

The age of the child who reported the fire is not known.

Officials from Royal Isles Apartments released a statement about the fire Wednesday evening.

“On behalf of Royal Isles Apartments, we express our deepest concern for those affected by this fire. The Orlando Fire Department has not yet determined the official cause, and we are cooperating with their ongoing investigation.

"The American Red Cross is providing immediate support for shelter and food for the impacted residents. In addition, the Salvation Army will provide food, clothing and other assistance for the families affected.

"Property management and ownership will also offer additional financial support for temporary housing and will closely work with each resident on accommodations based on their individual needs.

"The well-being of our residents is a top priority and we will continue to support them during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Orlando and Orange County firefighters battled the blaze.

BREAKING: Huge fire at apartment complex on SR 436 near the 408 in Orlando. Watch live: https://t.co/4CcxFj73IN pic.twitter.com/LsE4r9zDzF

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