An overnight fire in East Windsor has displaced nine families.

Four apartments suffered serious fire damage, with most of the flames consuming wooden steps in the back of the building.

Churchill and Kerri Powell live inside one of the 15 apartments making up Building 6 at the Windsor Commons complex.

Powell says he was woken up by smoke alarms.

"We heard the alarms go off,” says Churchill. “We heard the police. Police were here before the firemen, and they were here to help us evacuate."

Although the fire chief said smoke alarms were working, some residents admitted they did not work inside their apartments.

Fortunately, all got out safely.

The Red Cross is assisting about 25 people who need temporary housing and clothing.

There is no word yet on how the fire started.