Two families were displaced by a fire on West Sixth Street near Kings Highway in Gravesend.

Witnesses say the fire in the two-floor, mixed-use building started in a an apartment on the second floor. The family living next door says that around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, their neighbors screamed "fire" and they all rushed downstairs. They say firefighters arrived within minutes, and the flames were doused within about an hour.

The apartment where the fire started was badly damaged, and there was also damage to the apartment next door, according to witnesses. The stores below sustained minimal to no damage.

News 12 is told that the displaced families will be staying with friends and relatives.

Investigators were heard saying the fire may have been sparked by a space heater, but there is no word yet on an exact cause.