HIGH POINT, N.C. — Between seven and 10 people had to run from their Tarrant Trace condos in High Point early Monday morning as a fire ripped through two units. High Point Fire Chief Thomas Reid was pleased that everyone made it out safely.

“These people are very fortunate and I am thankful no one lost their life and no one got hurt,” Reid said.

Two units on Tarrant Trace Circle were severely damaged while one has some damage to the attic. Reid credits the quick response of the fire department along with building construction that helped to limit the spread of the fire​.

“Obviously the construction and codes. Everything goes into play for life safety and give people a chance to get out,” Reid said.

Jennifer Roberson and her family live only a few doors down from where the fire happened.

“To see and think about that happening, it’s very scary and so close to home. It can happen to any of us,” she said.

Smoke detectors helped families get away from the fire. But Roberson says residents need to do more than just change the batteries when we change our clocks.

“Each smoke detector has a label that says replace in 10 years and we replaced ours. Even if you replace the battery, they are not going to be reliable any more,” Roberson said.

Over time, smoke detectors lose their ability to detect smoke. Monday morning’s fire will serve as motivation for Roberson to encourage others to change the batteries and in some cases replace the smoke detector. Property Manager Candace Coble is ready to lend a hand.

“We are going to reinforce and make sure homeowners know because these homeowners, their smoke detector is working,” said Coble. “They got out and that’s the best part of this.”

High Point firefighters believe the fire started in back of one of the severely damaged units. At this time, inspectors don’t know what caused the fire.