The fire happened at the Hillary Sandoval Apartments located at 5353 Ridge St. near Thorn Avenue.

According to fire dispatchers, the fire was declared a Condition 3 fire, which means smoke and fire are weren’t under control and require additional backup. Over 30 firefighters responded.

Fire officials at the scene told KFOX-14 that four apartment units were affected by the blaze. The housing authority later said one complex was cleared and determined habitable. No injuries were reported, but crews are looking for two Chihuahuas that belonged to a woman in her 60s. Several hours later neighbors said one the dogs was found dead.

"It's a very sad day what happened today," said neighbor Omar Inijuez.

"The bottom line is the families affected today are in good hands. No one was hurt. That is our top priority," said Shane Griffith of the El Paso housing authority. "Although a fire did break out causing excessive damage, nobody was hurt and we'll be able to move on. The property can be replaced, but a life can't."

Griffith said two families were being put in a hotel for the next few days and the third family will be staying with relatives.

Fire investigators estimate total damage at $75,000.

The American Red Cross was called to the scene.

Housing Authority officials said they'll be looking for other places for the displaced families to live.

Things to Know About Home Fire Safety:

* Perform a home safety inspection with spring cleaning. Remember most injuries occur in and around the home. Some can be lethal. Almost all hom,e injuries can be prevented. * Store any flammable substances properly. Gasoline is the most common. Remember: gasoline vapors can travel several feet and find an ignition source. Paint, butane, nail polish, lighter fluid and kerosene are all considered flammable. * Heater safety and fireplaces safety is the primary concern during the winter. - Install and check smoke detectors - Install and check carbon monoxide detectors - Never use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace - Keep wood stacked and covered outdoors - Keep the area around fireplace and chimney clean

- Keep the space around the heater clean. Don't store combustible items near the heater. * Check smoke detectors once a month. * Change detector batteries twice yearly. A good way to remember is to change them when you change your clocks. * Place smoke detectors on each level of a home. * Kitchen safety tips. - Keep the area around the stove clear. - Move pan handles so that they don't stick out from the stove. Otherwise they can get bumped and knocked over. Also small children may be tempted to grab them spilling hot food and liquid on top of themselves or others. - Read your microwave owners manual carefully. Placing the wrong items in a microwave may start a fire.

* Practice home fire escape plans. - Everyone should know what to do if a fire breaks out in a home - Remember children may have trouble reacting to a smoke detector's alarm. They need to be taught what to do. - Remember: Plan, Prepare, and Practice escaping from a fire. *Source: El Paso Fire Department Sign Up For E-Mail News Alerts

*Source: El Paso Fire DepartmentSign Up For E-Mail News Alerts