FRIENDSWOOD, Texas -- An early-morning fire destroyed part of an apartment building on Sunday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The three-alarm fire broke out at the Bay Meadows Apartments on Blackhawk Boulevard near F.M. 528 at about 2 a.m.

Neighbors from nearby apartments did everything they could think of to try to alert residents.

"We seen this little mushroom cloud and all of us just ran over here to make sure everyone was all right," Erin Neugebauer said. "There was a lady in a wheelchair that got pulled out in time and I'm glad for that."

Firefighters from Friendwood, Pearland, League City and Nassau Bay worked together to put out the blaze.

American Red Cross officials helped displaced residents start the recovery process.

"We're providing a debit card for the immediate needs," volunteer Grant Murrell said.

The second floor of the building was destroyed. Inspectors will determine if the structure should be torn down.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.