PHOENIX – A dozen people were driven from their East Valley homes early Tuesday after fire raced through a portion of a multistory apartment building.

None of the 12 were injured in the 2 a.m. blaze near Mesa and University drives. The Mesa and Fire Medical Department initially responded to the address following a call about two vehicles burning in front of a building.

More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze across four units; when they arrived, flames were shooting through the roof.

The housing structure, which consists of a garage level and two floors of residences, was evacuated.

Crews then went on the defensive against the fire and finally put it out.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.

No other details were made available.

Follow @KTAR923