Fire rips through Raleigh apartment complex

A raging fire that ripped through a Raleigh apartment building Saturday evening left dozens of residents without a home and drew dozens of onlookers as flames shot through the roof.

Fire crews battle blaze at Camden Crest

About 70 firefighters were called to blaze at the Camden Crest Apartments, at 5024 Manor Valley Court, just after 6:30 p.m.

Fire officials said they aren't sure what caused the fire but believe it started in the back of the building and that the flames spread quickly because the four-story apartment building was made of wood and vinyl.

"It was very intense, like standing in front of a barbecue and it kept getting hotter, so we had to move away from the building," resident Leonard Windham said Saturday night. "I don't think anybody's going to be able to spend the night in here, at least, and it may be until tomorrow until we find out what's left."

Thirty-seven apartment units were damaged and 53 residents were displaced, according to the Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

There were no reports of injuries.

"Life can change in an instant and you have to appreciate what the most important things in life are," Windham said.

Roads were closed around the scene for several hours, and officials said one firefighter was taken to the hospital with elevated blood pressure.