Suspicious fires Wednesday left at least eight Mount Vernon families out in the cold.

The fires happened at two apartment buildings on North High Street. Five people suffered minor injuries. A total of 24 people were left homeless for the evening. The Red Cross was on the scene to help relocate two families. The other residents were able to stay with friends and relatives.

Fire officials investigating the cause of the two blazes say one of the fires started after a mattress caught fire in a second floor apartment and spread to the building next door. Officials say the first fire is being considered suspicious.