A fire at a Middlesex County apartment complex displaced at least nine families on Christmas Eve.

The fire broke out just around 4 p.m. Monday at the complex on Cedar Lane near Forest Glen Drive in Highland Park.

Investigators say that they believe that the fire started on the second floor of the complex inside one of the units. The tenant was not home at the time, according to officials.

Flames and thick plumes of smoke could be seen pouring out of the roof of the complex after the fire started. The flames caused parts of the roof to collapse.

Officials say that at least 18 apartment units were badly damaged by the blaze.

“It's very emotional even for everyone who's here…looking at these people who have lost so much tonight and have to be displaced. And some of them lost all their personal belongings. Some of them won't be here tonight to enjoy Christmas tomorrow morning. So our hearts go out to them, to their families,” says Highland Park OEM Director James Polos.

The apartment management company will provide hotel rooms for those displaced for at least one night. The American Red Cross also arrived at the scene to assist the families with food and clothing.

No injuries were reported.