ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Seven Orlando residents left homeless by a huge fire were trying to salvage what's left of their lives, Monday. The fire chased several families out of their homes overnight.

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SLIDESHOW: Images Of The Fire Scene

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The flames destroyed two units at the Tymberskan at the Lake apartments on Inglenook Lane. Monday, residents were at the complex trying to collect any items not destroyed in the destructive fire.

Victor De Jesus has had close calls before, but none came closer than the fire that destroyed two apartments and left him and six other people homeless. He and his wife were sleeping when someone knocked on his door, just before 12:30 Monday morning, to warn him that the flames from the unit next door were spreading fast.

"These apartments have been here for many years. The wood-type of construction, the way it was built, it's a concern for us when we get a call from one of these buildings," said Battalion Chief Reggie Price, Orange County Fire Rescue.

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According to the State Fire Marshal's Office, the fire started in his neighbor's bedroom due to faulty wiring.

Off camera, the occupants of that unit said their electrical outlets malfunctioned from time to time. They were not home when the fire broke out, but their two pit bulls were. Both were rescued from the burning building.

"The mood was very upbeat, 'cause the dogs came out in a very playful manner, which was a surprise to all of us," Price said.

The mood was a lot different 12 hours later, as displaced residents tried figure out what to do next.

Seven residents were forced out, including people in two apartments that had smoke damage. The Red Cross was helping them find temporary shelter.