A family of three is unharmed but homeless after a fire this morning in their Ridgewood Avenue apartment.

An electrical shortage in the heating and air-conditioning unit appears to have caused the fire, which was reported to the Gainesville Fire Department about 10:45 a.m., Fire Chief Jon Canada said.

Upon arrival, crews saw light smoke from the eves and attic area. Upon entering the triplex apartment building on the 300 block of Ridgewood, firefighters found smoke in one apartment and smoke and a small amount of fire in the attic, the chief said.

"Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and remove the smoke from the structure, resulting in minimal damage," Canada said.

The family was "displaced until damages are repaired," the chief said, adding that the family is staying with relatives.

The estimated damage is $10,000.