Over a dozen people were forced from their homes Sunday morning when a fire broke out at residential buildings in Jersey City.

Fire officials say 18 people were home when the fire at the 900 block of West Side Avenue started shortly after 11:15 a.m.

All residents who were inside made it out safely.

Firefighters believe the fire sparked outside of the three connected homes and continued to spread inside.

Jersey City Fire Chief Stephan Drennan said the fire may have started in between the buildings in an airshaft.

“Typically, what that represents is someone discarded cigarettes or something in between the buildings,” he added.

Luis Rolon, who lives in the building with his family, said he was playing a game when the fire started.

“I smelled it, so at first, I tried to put it out, but it kept getting bigger,” he said.

Rolon added that he wasn’t scared, but just wanted to make sure that everyone inside was safe.

The Red Cross was providing assistance to all who have been displaced as of Sunday night.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.