Several families are waking up away from home after a large fire damaged apartment buildings on Ocean Parkway in Kensington.
The fire broke out just after 6 p.m. Wednesday at 188 Ocean Parkway, according to the FDNY. The fire was burning in the area just below the roof, sending thick smoke into the air and drawing a large emergency response. Flames spread to the building next door at 184 Ocean Parkway. The Department of Buildings issued full vacate orders for both addresses.
Despite the size of the fire, no injuries were reported.
Now, the focus is shifting to the residents impacted.
The American Red Cross says it has registered six households for emergency assistance, including 12 adults and three children. The organization is helping affected families with emergency housing and financial assistance.
One woman visiting family from Florida said she had no idea there was a fire until her son told everyone to get out.
"There was fire on the roof. We felt nothing. We see nothing, smell nothing," said Nina. "I only hear my son say, 'Go out, go out.' I don't understand what happened, but when we go out, we see a lot of smoke and the fire."
Video from the scene showed heavy smoke pouring from the top of the building as firefighters worked from ladders extended to the roof.
Residents spent the night trying to figure out their next steps as crews continued working at the building.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire marshals are working to determine how it started.