Flames ripped through an apartment building Thursday afternoon in New Centerville, Somerset County, leaving three families homeless and destroying just about everything they own.

One of the fire victims told 6 News eight animals lived inside the building, and as of Friday morning they had not been accounted for. Without kids of their own, one of the victims said her cats were the next closest thing.

A state police fire marshal was on scene Friday trying to piece together what sparked the blaze. He has not made a ruling yet, but the local fire chief said the fire started in the garage.

"They had lawnmowers and so forth stored in there," said New Centerville fire chief Jim Saylor. "One gentleman repaired lawn mowers and it spread rapidly into the apartment complex."

Jesica Miner was inside sleeping when the fire started.

The next thing we know, my brother-in-law is pounding on our back door and the garage is on fire," said Miner.

She said they got out as fast as they could, carrying nothing but the clothes on their back. On Friday, they were there gathering what was left.

"I've got my husband paps' deer here, what's left of them. I got my checkbook and our social security cards and my grandmothers pictures," said Miner. "Everything else can be replaced. Most of it was just sentimental stuff."

Fighting through tears, Miner said her biggest fear is what happened to her four cats.

"I just need to know one way or the other, whether my cats got out or if they're dead," said Miner. "I just need to know, so that I can move on."

"There was a lot of excitement here (yesterday,)" said Saylor. "There was a lot of heat and smoke and they could have just disappeared away from the buildings. We don't know."

The American Red Cross is helping all three families, but donations are being also being accepted at Dough Girls Pizza and Cakes. Anyone who wishes to contribute can call 814-926-1010.