Updated: 2:54 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2020 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Forty people are without a home after a fire at an eight-unit apartment in Racine on Monday, Oct. 26. 

Authorities say 27 of those people are children. 

Disaster volunteers from the American Red Cross are helping the eight families by getting help with their basic needs like mental health resources. 

Six of those families are also getting help with temporary housing. 

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Published: 4:59 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2020 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) - Three people were taken to the hospital after escaping an apartment building fire in Racine on Monday, Oct. 26. 

Authorities were called to Byrd Avenue, just west of Hantschel Park, around 12:33 p.m. 

On the way to the scene, Racine fire officials reported seeing black smoke billowing from the eight-family apartment building. 

It took multiple crews about an hour to get the flames under control. 

Three people were transported by ambulance to Ascension All-Saints Hospital. 

In total, 32 firefighters responded to the call. 

Racine Fire Department released the following statement: 

"The Racine Fire Department would like to remind citizens that smoking and supplemental oxygen does create an extremely hazardous condition. if you are on supplemental oxygen, please do not not smoke! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Fire Prevnetion Bureau at 262-635-7915."