Firefighters said that they saw smoke coming from the family's second-floor apartment when they arrived in the 1300 block of Azalea Street.
Additional fire units were called to assist, bringing 25 firefighters to battle the blaze. Six engines, a truck company, a rescue unit and a battalion chief responded. It took almost 20 minutes to knock down the flames.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one unit in the three-unit structure, but all three units were left uninhabitable after power was cut to the apartment building, leaving 23 people displaced. The American Red Cross responded to assist the families who will not be allowed back into their homes until at least Monday.
Oxnard firefighters remained on scene for more than three hours, ensuring the fire hadn't spread any further, removing debris from the building and assisting the residents. Oxnard police and Oxnard Building and Safety representatives also responded.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates have not yet been released.
