RENSSELAER, N.Y. -- Investigators combed the scene of a massive fire in Rensselaer Wednesday. It damaged several apartments on the 1400 block of 1st Street. 

Thirteen people are being helped by the Red Cross the fire ripped through their apartments Tuesday night.

While the investigation into what caused the fire continues, one woman is feeling lucky that firefighters were able to save something she’ll need moving forward.

“My first instinct was my son. I ran in the building. I didn’t care if it was burning or not. And thank God he wasn’t home. I grabbed my dog and we made it out,” said Brenda McClain, who lived in one of the apartments.

More than 100 firefighters battled the flames -- two suffering minor injuries. But the 8 adults and 5 children who lived in the apartments ran out just in time.

“You have to look at the bright side of this. Nobody lost their life and that is a blessing,” McClain said.

Belongings were lost in the blaze. But Brenda McClain is focused on what was saved.

For months, Brenda has been setting aside money to move.

“The firefighter was nice enough he went in and he found it for me,” McClain said.

Still tucked inside the bag, the cash is one of few things not destroyed.

“That was very dear to my heart. Just thankful that it’s safe,” she said.

Although a lot was lost -- the people who are here matter most.

Investigators are still working to determine a cause. There’s no timetable as to when and if people will be allowed to go into their apartments to salvage any items.