LAKE MARY, Fla. – Firefighters rescued people from their homes and a stairwell after a large fire broke out early Monday at a Lake Mary condominium complex.
No injuries were reported in the two-alarm fire, which was reported at Regency Park at Lake Mary on Secret Harbor Lane near Lake Emma Road.
According to the Seminole County Fire Department, more than 50 people were displaced.
Fire Department Lt. Andy Gay said firefighters rescued people from the burning building.
"There were heavy flames when firefighters got there and they were having to direct and rescue people from the building," Gay said.
A few cats and a snake were also rescued by firefighters.
"I had to jump over the fire and run down the stairs and when we got down here I was like, 'Oh my God, the snake is still inside,'" resident Halaya Jackson said. "When they brought (the snake) out, I was like 'OK. We're good now.'"
At least eight units were damaged in the fire, officials said.
"I grabbed my fiance, my little sister and we ran out the door," said resident Joya Martinez. "There was fire coming down the stairwell in front of our door."
State fire investigators were called to determine the cause of the fire.
SCFD early morning two-alarm fire at Regency Park Apartments. 20 units
— SCFD PIO Media (@scfdpio) April 22, 2019
displaced, American Red Cross is assisting. Seminole County FD, Lake Mary FD and Longwood FD responded. SCFD investigating.
Video provided by: SCFD volunteer photographer. pic.twitter.com/Ca9IJjDZff
Residents said they were given one day to clear their apartment and move out.
Rachel Hovance tells News 6 she spent the day collecting her belongings.
"This is huge, this is crazy. It's crazy," Hovance said.
Hovance said she saw the smoke pouring into the hallways.
"We've just been told we have until tomorrow morning to get our stuff out, that's all we're trying to do before they say we can't come back in," she said.
Residents were given hotel vouchers.
Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.