Dozens displaced after 3-alarm fire breaks out in Prince George's County apartment complex

LANHAM, Md. - More than 130 people have been displaced from their homes after a three-alarm fire broke out at a Prince George's County apartment complex Monday, fire officials say.

Firefighters first received alert for the fire just after 3:30 p.m. at the 5300 block of 85th Avenue in Lanham. The flames tore through all four buildings of the garden-style apartment complex, officials say. Flames and smoke could be seen through the roof as the four buildings contained 44 apartments.

The fire was put out, but crews were still tending to hot spots, according to Prince George's County Fire and EMS spokesman Mark Brady. There are no reports of injuries to residents or fire crews.

A group of firefighters battled a blaze on the top floor of a building, but the roof caved in and separated one of them. However, he was able to escape the blaze and climb down on a ladder.

A 20-year-old named Paul, who lived in the building, said he heard the alarms go off while he was playing video games Monday afternoon. He said his brother alerted him that they had to get out the building.

Tenant after tenant waited as firefighters rescued their pets.

"I came home from school and all I saw was smoke and fire and everything," said Jay Clark Jr, whose dog, Pepper, was rescued.

Clark's father told FOX 5 that their family lost their home and belongings in a separate fire in Virginia several years ago.

"Terrible memories," said Jay Clark Sr. "The only thing I have is my family and the clothes on our back. That's all we got. All our possessions are inside."

Brady said water pressure problems hampered fire crew operations as more than 100 firefighters and medical personnel responded to the building. The issues are being investigated.

Approximately 132 people have been displaced, according to Brady. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the displaced residents.

The cause of the fire is also under investigation, officials said.