24 Families Displaced After Baltimore Co. Apartment Fire

LOCHEARN, Md. (WJZ) -- Dozens of families were displaced Wednesday night after a three-alarm fire gutted an apartment complex in Pikesville.

Christie Illeto has more on the investigation.

Crews say the fire started in the back of the complex near trash bins.

"I immediately saw the smoke in the back and called the police," one resident said.

A flurry of emergency calls followed, and the flames were put under control within an hour.

But a lifetime of memories went up in flames for many of the apartment's residents.

"This is my apartment," a resident named Gladys said while holding back tears.

She's one of 24 families displaced by a fire that residents say started out of nowhere.

Investigators couldn't tell whether all the units evacuated were a total loss.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents with food and clothing, but there is no word on how long the residents will be unable to return to their homes.