Area emergency personnel received an early wake-up call on Saturday morning.

At around 4:27 a.m., the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a possible structure fire at Briar Leigh Court Apartments on N. Main Street in Hillsville. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were visible from behind the structure.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office, Hillsville Police Department and Virginia State Police arrived and helped evacuate the apartment residents and took them to safety.

Several hours later, the HVFD, the Galax Volunteer Fire Deaprtment and Laurel Fork Fire Department were able to extinguish the blaze.

Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Donnie Spangler said the blaze affected multiple units in the apartment complex.

"It damaged at most 10 housing units," Spangler said, estimating damages to be around $500,000.

Members of the HVFD said area restaurants donated food to firefighters and emergency personnel, while the American Red Cross set up emergency shelter at VFW Post 1115 in Hillsville. The Carroll County School Board also allowed emergency personnel access to facilities and heat, which helped them battle the blaze.

The Cana Volunteer Fire Department, Carroll County Emergency Medical Services, Surry County (N.C.) Fire Department and Surry County EMS also responded and helped in some capacity, whether it was standing by at the Hillsville Fire Station or helping evacuate residents.

Spangler said two firefighters received minor injuries at the scene and were treated. Three residents were also taken to receive medical care.

Spangler said the cause of the blaze was still under investigation.