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A large fire in Vancouver’s east end Wednesday was started by a teenager playing with matches.

A resident of one of the suites spoke to Global News and said her son accidentally set the laundry on fire.

Just spoke to the resident of the suite where the fire started in east van. She says her Son was playing with matches and accidentally started the laundry on fire. @GlobalBC — Aaron McArthur (@Aaron_GlobalBC) December 20, 2017

The building, in the in the 1700-block of Frances Street, is believed to be social housing.

“Somebody was running around [yelling] ‘fire! Fire! Get out of the building!’,” said one resident. “So my teenager and her boyfriend came outside and my daughter started screaming.”

Resident underneath fire in east vancouver @GlobalBC pic.twitter.com/HPrkrFAQNc — Aaron McArthur (@Aaron_GlobalBC) December 20, 2017

Pictures show some people standing outside holding belongings and pets.

Man waits with bird cage stands outside burning building on Salisbury Street. #vancouver @VancouverSun pic.twitter.com/br2Up7fHQR — judy rudin (@judyrudin) December 20, 2017

WATCH: Cats were among the occupants rescued from an apartment building that caught fire in Vancouver on Wednesday:

1:54 Cats rescued from Vancouver apartment fire Cats rescued from Vancouver apartment fire

Smoke could be seen pouring out of the building. The fire was ranked as a three-alarm blaze at its peak.

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No one was injured in the fire but likely half of the residents will be out of their homes for a while and probably over Christmas.

WATCH: East Van apartment fire

0:47 Fire burning in apartment building in Vancouver Fire burning in apartment building in Vancouver

The suites below the one where the fire started were severely damaged.

An online fundraiser has been set up for those affected by the fire.

The building had 48 residents, and all are being put up at the 2400 Motel on Kingsway.

Smoke fills the air. Fire in Salisbury Street in Vancouver. @cknw pic.twitter.com/WevNUsYRdD — judy rudin (@judyrudin) December 20, 2017

More to come…