Roof collapses due to 3-alarm fire at apartment complex near University of Delaware

An apartment building near the University of Delaware was destroyed by a three-alarm fire on Tuesday afternoon, according to officials.

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Firefighters from northern New Castle County and Cecil County responded to the three-alarm fire just before 3 p.m., according to our partners at WDEL. The fire is currently under control, but damage to the apartment complex is very heavy. The roof of the building collapsed.

Officials with the Aetna Hose, Hook and Laddar Company said that the fire was placed under control around 4:03 p.m.

About 20 apartments were affected by the fire, Aetna Company said.

County paramedics helped the responding firefighters by keeping them hydrated, WDEL reported.

Police in Newark announced that South College Avenue has reopened, but Marvin Drive leading into the apartment complex is closed.

SkyForce10 was over the scene just before 4 p.m. where a large presence of first responders could be seen.

“I just heard a lot outside. When I checked from balcony. I saw people outside. There was no fire alarm," Khalid Elfaddouli, a resident who was home during the fire said.

Smoke can be seen coming from the roof of a building that looks like an apartment complex. There appears to be extensive damage to the roof.

Damage to the building is estimated at over one million dollars, according to the Delaware fire marshal's office.

“Like a really big flood. I mean there’s cracks in the ceiling, like the drywall split from the water," Taylor Maxwell, who is helping displaced residents said.

A spokesperson with the University of Delaware told NBC10's Tim Furlong that the school is still assessing the situation and they will work with the Dean of Students Office to figure out how to offer support for students affected by this fire.

Based on the needs of the students, administrators said they will work on what resources that will be available.

"The University of Delaware is working with the American Red Cross to assist any student who may have been impacted by the fire. The Red Cross is establishing a receiving area for those who have been displaced," the University of Delaware said in a statement.

The American Red Cross is working with the New Castle County Emergency Management Office to figure out shelter for the 20 residents displaced from the fire.

The Red Cross is providing water and meals for impacted residents at the scene. Trained disaster response volunteers are also providing financial assistance, mental health and emotional support, help replacing medications and other essential items and other recovery resources, according to need.

“Nervous. I don’t know—I mean I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I become homeless," Elfaddouli laughed. He, his wife and two kids are getting help finding temporary housing.

Red Cross assistance is free. Anyone with disaster-caused needs can call 1-800-RED CROSS for support.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating what caused the fire, officials said.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.