Eight families, several with young children are out of their homes tonight after a fire at 7101 Flower Lane on the City's west side.

Firefighters were called to the scene just before 2 p.m. for a report of flames visible from a two-story apartment building.

Engine Company 9 was the first crew to arrive. They reported flames coming from a first floor window and spreading up the exterior of the building to the second floor.

One person was transported to UW Hospital with injuries received when he exited through a window with his two children.

Another family was assisted by a passerby who heard a man calling for help from a second-floor balcony. The eight apartments share a common hallway that filled with smoke as other occupants exited the building. The passerby stopped and caught three children lowered from the balcony before the adult male on the balcony jumped to safety.

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 2:01 and had the fire under control within minutes. All other occupants of the building were able to self-evacuate without injury. The Red Cross is assisting occupants at the scene. Early damage estimates are set at $125,000.The cause remains under investigation.