Flames and smoke filled the sky in Birmingham, Alabama, Friday morning and as crews worked to put the fire out, the American Red Cross said at least 18 people lost their homes.

Fire crews said people heard explosions before the fire first started at a vacant business in Birmingham's Five Points South neighborhood. It then spread to two apartment and condominium buildings just after 5:30 a.m.

The wood frame building, which had originally been a house, became fully engulfed in intense flames and the roof collapsed.

Hearst Owned Birmingham business fire

Birmingham Fire and Rescue officials said the fire spread to brick apartment and condominium buildings on either side. A total of three buildings have been involved.

Watch a timelapse of the fire below.

Within a couple of hours, one of

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