Multiple families displaced after apartment building fire in Justice: 'I've lost everything'

JUSTICE, Ill. (WLS) -- Firefighters worked to put out a fire at an apartment complex Saturday in the southwest suburbs.

Massive flames engulfed the building in the 8500 block of South 88th Terrace in Justice.

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The fire heavily damaged the apartment complex, and ABC7 was told at least 16 units were destroyed and the roof caved in.

Cleanup crews and electrical companies later took over the scene Saturday evening after a long day for the firefighters.

People living in the building told ABC7 they woke up to smoke in their homes when the fire started shortly after 9 a.m., with crews still battling the fire many hours later.

"I come back in the front room, and it's just foggy, smoky everywhere, and I had to grab my dog, so they evacuated me outside," resident Keshawn Hollis said.

ABC7 was told no injuries were reported as residents managed to evacuate safely, and no firefighters were injured.

The fire department said it appears the fire started on the third floor of the building.

ABC7 saw neighboring fire departments from Brookfield, Bridgeview and many other areas come to the scene to try and help out.

Red Cross was on scene all day, helping the displaced residents.

"I mean, I'm glad I was able to get my daughter and niece out to the house, they're four years old... I did just lose everything me and my daughter has... I literally have to start from ground zero," residentShay Eskridge said. "They're offering shelter at the clubhouse, because they said too many people are displaced, so the most they can do is offer us shelter, and I believe food."

Residents stood outside, feeling helpless as they watched their homes and all of their belongings get destroyed by the massive fire.

"It's very cold out here," resident Jaclyn Jackson said. "I have a lot of things in my apartment, and I've lost everything. I've lost everything."

Some residents said they were worried about a fire happening as they claimed the building has had some electrical issues recently, but the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

"We've been having electrical problems in this building for a while to my understanding," Jackson said. "The apartments are always hot and overheated, even in the summer time."

Fire crews were expected to be there all night Saturday managing the hotspots of the fire.