Several families had to move after an apartment building in Detroit’s east side caught fire

(CBS DETROIT) – Several families are looking for a new home after an apartment building in Detroit’s east side caught fire on Thursday.

The Detroit Fire Department says it happened just after 1 a.m. near Alaska Avenue and Prairie Street.

Kimiko Ross says she and her 12-year-old son are thankful to be alive.

“My son said as we left the building, ‘Mommy, what if you have to work at night?’ That’s really what broke me down because sometimes I work nights and I don’t think he would have gotten out of bed he was scared I literally had to put him down the stairs we couldn’t see it but we just felt our way out. But we got out,” Ross said as tears streamed down her cheeks.

What didn’t make it is almost everything Ross had inside, except for a small bag full of blankets donated by the American Red Cross, some shoes, and any family photos she can find.

However, she’s not the only one trying to salvage what went up in smoke overnight. So is resident Nikia Hicks.

“Today was the first time I got in there, and when I walked in there it was devastating because I lost everything. I have nothing,” said Hicks.

While others continue to pack up, investigators say the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Miraculously, all the families inside were able to get out unharmed.

Yet most of them, like Ross and Hicks, are looking for a new home.