CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- An evening fire forced a family of five and a young couple out of their University area apartments. The fire broke out on a third story apartment at the Bridges at Mallard Creek on Ship Street, just before 6 p.m. Sunday.

No one was injured, but the fire caused damage to two apartments. Two other apartment sustained water damage. Fire crews called a second alarm, but said they were helped by the fact each apartment has a sprinkler system installed. Fire officials said the sprinklers prevented the fire from spreading too quickly.

The American Red Cross paid for the families to stay in a hotel Sunday night. Fire investigators have not figured out what started the fire.