NORCROSS, Ga. -- Eight Norcross families were burned out of their homes Sunday morning after a fire gutted an entire apartment building at the Sinclair Apartments.

Gwinnett County firefighters arrived just after 10 a.m. at 201 Park Colony Drive to battle heavy smoke and flames. Gwinnett County Fire Department Public Information Officer Tommy Rutledge said the fire started in a lower unit and destroyed eight units and damaged four others.

"Police had to knock on doors to get people out. Luckily no one was hurt," said Rutledge.

Thirty-three people are now getting help from the Red Cross including 24 adults and nine children.

“We do try and give these people clothing, food and of course this time of year have to give shoes and jackets as well as medication they lose in the fire," said Donna Anderson, a Red Cross nurse.

The Red Cross is also pairing with the apartment management to provide shelter.

Investigators are calling the fire accidental.