‘It looked like hell:’ Large fire displaces 20 at Orlando apartment complex

ORLANDO, Fla. – A large fire broke out early Monday at an Orlando apartment complex, displacing about 20 residents, officials said.

The fire started around 3:30 a.m. at the Fleetwood Apartments on Highland Avenue near Colonial Drive.

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Orlando fire Deputy Chief Craig Buckley said neighbors reported the blaze and firefighters discovered heavy fire on the second floor of a building that housed eight units. One firefighter fell through the floor but was not injured, Buckley said.

Jason Villon, who lives near the apartments, said he was awakened by a loud noise and called 911 when he spotted the flames.

“It looked like hell,” Villon said. “It was very strong. You can definitely feel the heat coming in from the fire.”

Ramon Figueroa told News 6 the fire happened so quickly that he had to break a window to get his wife and 19-year-old son out.

“The doors were on fire. The two doors to get out, they were on fire. Inside the apartment, then outside (it was) just fire,” Figueroa said.

No residents were injured.

According to Orlando Fire Rescue, the fire spread through the attic of the building and was brought under control about 45 minutes later.

The Red Cross is assisting the victims who were displaced.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.