Some Lincoln residents woke up to the sound of smoke alarms and sirens Saturday morning as Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to the Thomasbrook Apartment complex at 60th and Normal Blvd.

Deputy Chief Jeanne Pashalek with Lincoln Fire and Rescue said they got the call for help around 6:17 a.m.

"The tenant in the apartment fire woke up to some crackling and a smoke detector sounding. She immediately evacuated and called 911."

Pashalek said when they arrived several minutes later, smoke and flames were showing from part of the building.

Jake Wattles lives in the apartment right across from where the fire started. He watched closely as the events unfolded.

"I looked out the window and the flames were shooting clear up in the air," Wattles said.

According to Deputy Chief Pashalek, there was extensive structural, fire and water damage to the 24 units in the complex. That is why all the residents in those units had to be relocated.

Early estimates show the structure sustained about $1.5 million in damage, with an additional $600,000 in property damage. The blaze left several dozen residents homeless, many with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

"That one up there with no roof, that was my living room and kitchen," said Susan Ridgeway as she pointed toward what was left of her apartment.

Ridgeway evacuated her apartment early Saturday morning.

"I heard the fire alarms going off, but we've had false alarms before, so I didn't take it that seriously. Then, I smelled smoke, and opened up my door, and I could see the hallways were smoky. I thought I'd reach my shoes and my purse. I went to look out the door again, and it was so smoky I didn't think I could get out," Ridgeway said.

That's when Ridgeway peered over her balcony, trying to find a better way to escape.

"There was fire next to me on the outside. I thought, "I'll just have to put a blanket over my head, and take a deep breath and run downstairs,'" said Ridgeway.

Ridgeway and her neighbors safely made it out of the building, without any injuries, and the American Red Cross was there to help.

"We make sure the client has what they need immediately, and make sure they have a place to stay. If they have insurance, we'll help them contact their insurance adjusters so they can come out as soon as possible to get them started," said Mary Alice Jones, American Red Cross volunteer.

Ridgeway said she is thankful for the assistance, but it can't replace valuable personal items lost in the flames.

"Two of the most important things that I wish I would have grabbed, number one, was my grandmother's Bible. She left that to me, and there was a lot of meaning to it. I also wish I would have had time to grab some pictures or trinkets of my children's gifts they made in school that I've been saving since they were old enough to make them," Ridgeway said.

"I never dreamed it would be that bad that there's nothing left. Everything will work out. I just have to stay positive, and be thankful that everybody got out okay."

Several of the residents said they have renters insurance, but said at this point they are not exactly sure what they are going to do now that their building has been burned.

The Red Cross is assisting victims of the fire. Bob Kelly with the Cornhusker Chapter said they've helped 13 families so far, but others may come forward for help as well.

Kelly said assistance is based on the needs of the family. He said they're providing temporary shelter, food, clothing, assistance with medication, and mental health support.

Kelly said donations can be sent to the Cornhusker Chapter, American Red Cross, at P.O. Box 83267, Lincoln, NE 68501.

You can go to their Web site at www.cornhuskerredcross.org for more information.