DALLAS --

Dallas firefighters said a 2-year-old girl was killed in an overnight apartment fire in south Dallas.

The flames broke out at the Cedar Ridge Apartments on Gannon Lane near U.S. 67 and Interstate 20 at about midnight and burned eight units.

The toddler's mother, 25-year-old Kim Picot, smelled smoke and called out to gather her four children. Three of the children were pulled to safety.

Firefighters found 2-year-old Jamerie Picot in the bathroom.

"Unfortunately one of the children didn't hear her or something was miscommunicated, and the child was found in the bathroom hiding from the fire," Paul Lara, Dallas Fire Department, said.

Kim Picot tried to save the child, but was unable to reach her, witnesses said. A witness said she broke down in tears on the sidewalk.

Picot suffered burns and was taken to Parkland Hospital for treatment.

Firefighters said her injuries were not life-threatening.

Picot, a single mother, worked two jobs. A witness said she always put her children first.

The Red Cross offered assistance to more than a dozen people displaced by the fire.

The apartment manager said he will help them find other places to live.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

"They're looking for a fire alarm or smoke alarm," Lara said. "They haven't been able to find one because there is extensive damage."

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