Authorities tell Action News one of the residents heard a crackling noise and walked outside and saw grass burning in the area.
When firefighters arrived, the blaze had spread to a few detached apartments nearby.
Firefighters say one of the units, engulfed in flames, also had a dog trapped inside.
"They pulled the dog out that was semi-unconscious gave the dog some oxygen and subsequently the dog was walking around," Batt. Chief Shawn Hogan with Cal Fire said.
Investigators said the fire caused about $40,000 in damage. No one was injured.