Several families displaced after massive fire at Shelby apartment complex

SHELBY, N.C. — Just days before Christmas, several people in a Shelby apartment complex are now looking for a place to stay after a massive fire.

[IMAGES: Massive fire at Shelby apartment complex]

Officials said the blaze started around 4 a.m. Sunday and took firefighters seven hours to extinguish.

Flames could be seen shooting from the roof as the fire engulfed an apartment complex on Ivywood Drive.

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Officials said eight apartments were impacted and the fire was so bad all but two units in the apartment building had to evacuate.

Channel 9's Stephanie Tinoco spoke to one mother who said she went to Walmart around 3 a.m. Sunday to take care of last minute Christmas shopping when her 10-year-old daughter called her about the fire.

"She was crying. It was crazy. I didn't even understanding. All I heard her say is 'there's a fire, we need to get out of the house'," said resident Chantelle High.

Fire officials said the fire caused about $100,000 worth of damage.

No injuries were reported, and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families.

Investigators are working to determine what started the blaze.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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