HOUSTON – An apartment fire late Sunday night at the Cambridge Place Apartments displaced approximately 12 families and injured four firefighters after flames broke out in a third-floor unit.

According to Deputy Chief Bryan Sky-Eagle of the Houston Fire Department, firefighters responded around 11 p.m. to reports of heavy fire and smoke coming from a third-floor apartment. Crews experienced slight delays reaching the building because the complex is gated and required long hose stretches to establish a water supply.

Despite the challenges, firefighters made a quick attack on the fire and brought it under control.

No civilian injuries were reported.

However, a fire department safety officer was injured and transported to a nearby hospital, while three other firefighters were evaluated for various injuries.

The fire affected 12 apartment units, impacting about 12 families. Officials said the exact number of displaced residents was not immediately known.

Fire and arson investigators remained at the scene overnight to determine the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.

Firefighters continued working to extinguish hot spots in the roof after the main fire was knocked down.

As a precaution, power was shut off to the affected buildings, and gas service was also being disconnected. Officials said nearby residents could experience power outages while utilities remained offline.

Officials said the apartment where the fire originated will not be habitable. It remains unclear whether residents of neighboring units will be able to return because of smoke, water and potential structural damage. Water from the third-floor fire damaged lower apartments, and firefighters opened walls to check for hidden fire extension.

Everyone inside the building was able to evacuate safely before firefighters arrived, and no rescues were necessary. Fire officials said residents helped direct crews to the correct building and apartment where the fire was located. No pets were reported injured.