A fire in a north Suffolk duplex caused extensive damage Thursday night, leaving two families temporarily without a home.

No one was injured, said Capt. James Judkins, spokesman for the Suffolk Fire Department

A family of six and a household of three lived in the duplex apartment, which was located in the 6000 block of Bradford Drive. The Suffolk chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting both families.

Firefighters responded to the

apartment fire at 8:37 p.m., said Judkins. Upon arrival, the fire had vented through the front window. Both families had escaped.

The kitchen, dining area, living room, and utility room sustained heavy fire damage. The four bedrooms, hall, and two bathrooms suffered extensive heat and smoke damage. A next-door apartment sustained smoke and electrical damage.

According to the investigative report, the fire started in apartment B where the Jerald Wicks and his family of six lived. Wicks said he was cooking hamburgers and walked away from the stove for a moment, which has been ruled as the likely cause of the blaze, said Judkins.

Damage was estimated at $60,000. Neither family had renter’s insurance.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com