ELLINGTON, Conn. -- Several residents were forced out their Ellington apartments after flames destroyed one unit and began to spread.

A fire started in the garage of a unit at the Autumn Chase Apartment complex before noon and quickly spread upstairs, fire officials said.

Eight units were evacuated because of smoke and water damage, and at least 12 people are displaced temporarily by the fire.

Forty firefighters from Ellington, Crystal Lake and Vernon were called to the two-alarm blaze. Firefighters said a woman was in the condo when the fire began, but got out quickly and called 911.