The American Red Cross is assisting three families who will need to find shelter after a fire damaged their apartment building Friday.

Some pets may have perished in the fire that was reported around 3 p.m. in the 100 block of East Sixth Street, according to Franklin Fire Chief Jonathan Westendorf.

Most of the pets were able to be saved or otherwise escaped the fire and no one was injured, Westendorf said.

Neighbors called 911 after smelling smoke and seeing flames in the rear of the building.

Five people lived in three separate apartment units in the building, but they will have to find new accommodations, Westendorf said.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

The fire reportedly began in the kitchen of the structure at 141 E. 6th St. sometime after 3 p.m. today.

There was no word on if anyone was injured or what sparked the blaze.

The American Red Cross was called to assist the residents of the home.