PLYMOUTH — A multiple-alarm fire has forced dozens of people from a Plymouth apartment building.

Fire departments from as far away as Eden Prairie and Bloomington were called to help fight the fire that heavily damaged the 62-unit apartment building.

Plymouth Fire Chief Richard Kline said the initial call at 3 a.m. Friday involved a fire in an air conditioning unit. Kline said fire officials will allow residents to temporarily return to their homes to collect essential belongings.