DURHAM – A fire that began after 12 noon Monday appeared to affect all 20 units of an apartment building before firefighters could get the blaze under control.

No injuries were reported and all 40 of the building’s occupants were accounted for, according to the Durham Fire Department. In all, the fire displaced 30 residents as the building has been deemed a total loss with fire or smoke and water damage affecting all of the units.

The fire took place at the Royal Oaks Apartments on Mayfair Street near the Sam’s Club and Target on 15-501—north of the exit for Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway. The Durham fire department responded to a 12:30 p.m. call.

Seven fire trucks and 50 firefighters reported to the scene. American Red Cross Triangle Region is providing shelter, food, clothing, and other assistance to those in need. Jersey Mikes and Fire House Subs have also helped the Red Cross provide food.

Durham Fire Chief Dan Curia told the Herald Sun that this was at least the fourth major fire at the Royal Oaks Apartments in the last ten years.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, but it apparently started in the rear bedroom of apartment 106.

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