DULUTH, Ga. — An apartment fire at a Duluth complex has forced at least 14 families out of their homes.

Gwinnett firefighters were called to The Portico Apartments on Preston Park Drive after a neighbor called 911 and said the fire was spreading fast.

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Crews could see heavy smoke and flames coming from the third-floor balcony of a corner apartment and flames in the attic.

The building had already been evacuated and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters said they had the fire under control in about 45 minutes.

The people living in the third-floor apartment that caught fire noticed the balcony was on fire after smelling smoke inside the apartment.

Two apartment units, the roof and the attic sustained severe damage in the blaze. Five other units have smoke, heat and water damage.

Fire officials have determined the fire was accidental. Investigators said they are unable to rule out smoking materials as a possible cause.

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Management and the American Red Cross are working with the 45 people who have been displaced.

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