A Lincoln resident described the first terrifying moments when she discovered her apartment was on fire. "I started screaming and there was banging on my door," said Alicia Harms, Lincoln.

As many as 40 people are without a home thanks to the fire that destroyed a Thomasbrook Apartment building in Lincoln early Saturday morning. Authorities say the fire started because of a cigarette being put in a plastic container.

10/11 didn’t contact each person made homeless by the fire, but from those who did talk, feelings ranged from reflective to outright anger. But one emotion was the same: thankfulness to the Red Cross for helping in a time of need.

"I can't sleep. Every time I sleep, I relive it," Harms said.

Afraid to close her eyes, sleep isn't yet an option for 19-year-old Alicia Harms. She’s terrified she'll see the same images that haunted her last time her eyes flew open.

“My apartment was covered in smoke, and I grabbed my computer and purse and phone and started screaming because I couldn't see. Then I heard banging on the door and a firefighter told me to get out,” she said.

She made it out, but the video playing over and over in her head doesn't stop there.

“I looked back and the whole roof was on fire. Seeing my room in flames just made me sick to my stomach,” Harms said.

The only thing that helped was the red insignia on the shirt of the person she saw next. “The Red Cross was absolutely amazing,” she said.

Donating food, money, clothing and all the other essentials, members of the Red Cross are working hard to make sure everyone has a place to stay.

“For these people, it's almost as if they see us and say, ‘it’s going to be okay, mom's here,” said Bob Kelly, Red Cross. “We provide a sense of direction for folks.”

Folks on the bottom level may be able to collect a few mementos, but for those who lived on the third floor, like Harms, the fire will be a total loss. Ashes are all that's left of the first 19 years of her life.

“All my pictures, my high school stuff – everything. I had so many things. I love taking pictures, but I think the most important thing I’m going to miss is my cat,” she said.

She said it's unfair someone's poor smoking etiquette means her life must change.

"I mean, accidents happen, I just think people should be smarter,” Harms said.

There's one very lucky reality that will someday make it okay to sleep again. “I’m just glad I’m alive. I’m glad everyone got out safe,” she said.

Harms didn't have insurance, so she only has a few clothes, a bed and a table donated to her.

On a positive note, Thomasbrook is relocating as many residents as possible into different buildings, according to Kelly.

Harms said she'll now get to move into a duplex with some friends.