BUFORD — Quick evacuation prompted by working smoke alarms helped prevent injuries during an apartment fire Thursday afternoon at the Plantation Ridge Apartments, 1022 Level Creek Road, officials said.

Firefighters were dispatched at 3:44 p.m. after multiple 911 callers reported a fire behind an apartment unit that was spreading to the second floor. Callers told dispatch that residents were evacuating as crews were en route.

Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire in a three-story, multi-family building. Crews encountered fire on the rear of the structure and deployed two hose lines while Gwinnett County Police assisted with evacuating the entire building. The fire caused moderate fire damage and heavy water damage, affecting six apartment units. No fire extended to adjacent buildings.

Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period to extinguish hot spots and ensure the fire was fully out. Medical crews provided firefighter rehabilitation. No injuries were reported.

One resident told firefighters they heard smoke alarms sounding, went to investigate and saw flames on a balcony below their unit, then evacuated. Smoke alarms were active in the affected units at the time of the fire.

The fire displaced 11 adults and eight children. The American Red Cross and apartment management are assisting the displaced residents.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated on a second-story balcony on the C-side of the building and ruled the cause accidental.

Equipment on scene included five engines, two ladder trucks, one squad, two medical units, three command staff units, an air and light unit, a fire investigator and a public information officer.