RIVERVIEW, Fla. -- Help is pouring in for the almost 100 people displaced by the fire that tore through a Riverivew-area apartment building Wednesday night.
- Helping hands for Riverview apartment fire victims
- 20 units, about 100 people impacted by fire that destroyed building
- Red Cross, Metropolitan Ministries, residents helping fire victims
Firefighters said that more than 20 units were destroyed and possibly more than one hundred people were affected by the fire at Allegro Palm Apartments, located at 5501 Legacy Crescent Place.
Fire officials said the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.
The fire spread quickly and left extensive damage to one building at the complex.
Red Cross says they are assisting at least 17 families and that number could rise as more people return to assess the damage to their homes.
On Thursday, Metropolitan Ministries also was at the complex helping families.
The charity is setting up a distribution center to provide baby supplies, clothes, food boxes and air mattresses.
"There was fear, because it was traveling," said resident Wilma Roman of the fire. "So you know everybody was kinda like, ugh, but despite the fear and all that...that compassion was awesome, it really was.
"It was beautiful to be in. So it gives you hope."
Complex residents and other citizens also have reached out to the people impacted by the fire.
There were no injuries in the fire.