A fire tore through a Peekskill apartment building Thursday, leaving several families homeless.

Firefighters arrived at the Crompond Road building around 7:30 a.m. The fire did extensive damage to a rear bedroom and the roof of the building. Investigators believe the fire was caused by an electrical problem.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames quickly. Eight people from several families lived inside the apartments and all escaped unharmed. However, it is not known if the residents will ever be able to move back in.

A spokesman for the city's department of emergency management says the residents will be put up in a motel until the Red Cross can find a more permanent shelter.