A dozen families in Howard are facing a major setback after a fire at their apartment complex Tuesday evening destroyed their homes and belongings.

A significant fire has erupted at the Northern Pines Apartments in Howard, with flames and smoke visible from the scene. Several firefighters are working to control the blaze, and tenants have been safely evacuated.

Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment complex fire in Howard. There is a heavy presence of first responders at the Northern Pines Apartments on Memorial Drive. Multiple departments responded to the blaze.

HOWARD — "One of the larger fires in Howard" that the village's Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Staeven has seen this year burned through an estimated 12 apartments in the Northern Pines Apartment complex Tuesday evening.