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The American Red Cross of Santa Monica went to the aid of  victims of an apartment building fire, in response to a Fire Department call-out Friday afternoon.

The fire started in a carport at the rear of the 24-unit building in the 200 block of Washington Avenue.  Tenants told a Red Cross worker that four to six apartments above the carports were damaged by the fire. Three cars  in the carports were completely destroyed. All the units suffered d smoke damage. The origin of the fire is under investigation.

All utilities — gas, electric and water — were shut off, and the two-story structure was “yellow tagged” by the Santa Monica Building and Safety staff,    meaning the building is  unsuitable for habitation and tenants could only enter it on an  emergency basis.

Eight families who were made homeless temporarily homeless were placed in local motels for the weekend or until other arrangements could be made for more permanent housing.   Some of the fire victims are staying with  family or friends, or made other arrangements.

The Santa Monica Red Cross will also provide additional services on an “as needed” basis to the fire victims.