Dozens of families displaced after fire at Woodstock apartment complex

WOODSTOCK, Ill. (WLS) -- About 50 people were displaced Saturday after a Woodstock apartment fire destroyed or damaged 32 units in the far northwest suburb.

At about 3 a.m., firefighters responded to the complex in the 2100-block of Willow Brook Drive to find several people on their balconies to escape.

Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager said it was a miracle that no one was injured.

The blaze appears to have started on the front balcony of the building then quickly spread, fire officials said. However, due to how the flames travelled, the alarms didn't go off until most residents were already out.

"From where the fire started outside on the balcony and moved directly up into the attic space there wouldn't have been smoke detectors in that space," said Chief Michael Hill, of the Woodstock Fire District.

The cause of the fire was undetermined Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross was among the agencies working to help the displaced.

"We have a one week voucher at the Super 8 Motel which is where we're heading now. So we're looking forward to a serious nap and then think about where we go from here," said resident Brenda Winkowski.