Updated: Fire Damages Third Street Home

An East County apartment fire left two families in need of emergency lodging Monday and caused an estimated damaged $50,000 worth of property losses.

The non-injury blaze in the 4500 block of Third Street in La Mesa erupted about 8:30 a.m., according to Heartland Fire & Rescue. Crews were able to confine the flames to a single ground-level bedroom, though other parts of the structure sustained smoke damage, agency spokesman Sonny Saghera said.

The American Red cross was called in to help the displaced residents -- four adults and four children -- arrange for interim housing.