WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Fire crews in West Des Moines were called out late Monday night near Valley Junction after a house converted to apartments caught fire.

Deputy Chief Vince De Boer of the West Des Moines Fire Department said crews were dispatched just before midnight to a house on the corner of 6^th Street and Vine Street. When they arrived, there were flames and smoke visible coming from the second floor. The residents of the three apartments in the house had already evacuated.

“It’s a blessing that everyone was able to get out as we were arriving here, before we got here. So they had a couple of pets, and we’re still helping them look for those and the main floor as well. So as of right now, it just appears to be property damage, unfortunately, and luckily that everyone made it out safely,” said De Boer.

There were two apartments on the main level and one apartment on the second floor. Officials assisted with finding a place for the residents to stay overnight.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.