ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --
Flames tore through an apartment building in southeast Albuquerque late Monday night and early Tuesday morning.
The fire forced dozens of people out of their homes. Now, The Red Cross is assisting many of those residents.
The flames broke out just before midnight at the apartment complex on Lead Avenue and Ash Street. Firefighters said they believe the fire started on the first or second floor. But, it quickly spread up the building and engulfed the roof.
At least 50 firefighters came out to battle the fire at its height. Crews managed to get it under control in about an hour and they got everyone out of the building safely. But, the fire caused severe damage to the building, which houses about 24 apartments.
Residents lined the streets outside the apartment complex early Tuesday morning and watched as the flames destroyed their homes. They huddled in blankets provided by Red Cross workers, who worked to help them find places to stay.
Fire investigators spent all night picking through the debris in the building and searching for a cause. But, they have not figured out what sparked the flames.
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