9:45am | The Long Beach Fire Department suspects arson caused an apartment blaze that has left four different families without a home, and nearly turned fatal.

The fire started on the first floor of a two-story apartment building at 1821 E. 68th Street around 11:00pm on Saturday night, and spread quickly to threaten occupants on the second floor as well. Two people leapt from their second story window to avoid the flames, and one, a 37-year old male, was transported to a hospital for his injuries. They are believed to be non-life threatening.

Soon after, fire units arrived and attacked the fire from inside, containing the blaze at its point of origin. It was knocked down before spreading to adjacent apartment units, but four families are unable to return to their homes. The Red Cross is providing shelter and assistance for the displaced, who range in age from 6 to 47 years old.

“This is considered an arson fire,” reads a press release from the Long Beach Fire Department. Arson investigators are collecting evidence as we speak and they ask that anyone with information contact the arson tip hotline at 562.570.2582.