GRIFFITH | At least six fire departments were working into this morning battling a blaze engulfing a building containing 24 apartments at The Mansards.

The fire broke out about 9 p.m. Friday at the south complex, 1508 and 1514 N. Glenwood Ave.

Flames were shooting out of the building and smoke was billowing across nearby Ridge Road.

No injuries were reported shortly before midnight. Two dogs were saved, a Griffith firefighter at the scene said. The Red Cross was on the scene shortly before 12:30 a.m. to assist residents.

The manager of the complex declined comment.

"We don't know how many people were affected by the fire," Griffith Fire Capt. Tim Tinsley said early this morning.

About 300 to 400 people watched the fire from around the area.

Residents Kenneth Watson and fiancee Patrice Eason said their children noticed lights blinking in the hallway. Watson went to investigate and saw flames coming from the building. He started knocking on patio doors to alert neighbors before 10 p.m.

Griffith, Munster, Merrillville, Schererville, Highland, Lake Ridge and Lake of the Hills fire departments were battling the blaze.