PERINTON, N.Y. — At least 65 people who lost their homes in a large fire at the Pines of Perinton are being given shelter at the Perinton Community Center.

Crews were called to Honeysuckle Terrace in the complex around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the apartments, located off of State Route 250 near Whitney Road. The Fairport deputy fire chief said the flames spread to the roof and then spread to other apartments. Eventually the call was elevated to a second and then a third alarm. 

Families were evacuated while crews continued to battle the fire. RTS buses were brought in to keep them warm.

"My daughter's friends live right over here where these flames are shooting up now," said resident Stephanie Forrester. "It's just heartbreaking. A lot of kids and families being affected right now."

Officials said 18 units were damaged by the blaze. It was finally brought under control at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

"Some of these guys have been out here since 3 o'clock this morning so they are whooped," said Deputy Chief John Overacker of the Fairport Fire Department. "We're in the process of trying to get some of those crews replaced and relieved. But it truly is something we train for, is something that we pride ourselves in the ability to take care of our own as well as our community."

Firefighters rescued a cat that was reunited with its owner. No one was hurt. The cause of the fire has not been released and crews are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the day.

The Pines of Perinton is home to many new citizens to the U.S. and refugees finding a new start in the Rochester area.

The Town of Perinton has established a fund to accept monetary donations until it is clear what exactly the families impacted will need.

You can drop off or mail a check to the town hall on Turk Hill Road.

Make it out to the town of Perinton with a memo line "Pines of Perinton Fund."

You can also drop off cash donations at the town hall Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.