NASHVILLE, Tenn. --
A north Nashville apartment fire has ruined Christmas for several families.
The fire broke at about 3 a.m. Sunday at the River Village apartments near the corner of 26th Avenue North and Clarksville Pike.
First responders called for backup when they got to the scene and saw flames rolling off one of the buildings.
Residents went door-to-door making sure everyone got out safely.
"My girlfriend woke up saying there was smoke in the house and (I) went to the bathroom and the whole floor was covered with smoke," said resident Michael Palmer, "I went to the neighbors and beat on their door and got them out of the house."
Three residents were hospitalized for minor smoke inhalation. A Nashville firefighter was also hospitalized with a cut hand and was treated and released.
Crews said the building is a total loss. Eight units were damaged.
The Nashville Area Red Cross is helping victims find temporary shelter.
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