Investigators say an electrical problem caused the fire at a 30-unit Fitchburg apartment building Tuesday.

RIDGEWOOD APARTMENT FIRE Ridgewood Fire Aftermath Ridgewood Owner Speaks Out Ridgewood Fire Investigation Ridgewood Fire Victims: Language Barrier

Fitchburg and state fire investigators wrapped up their investigation at Ridgewood Country Club Apartments Wednesday by ruling out arson once and for all. But they have no specific cause.

Officials said lab tests at the source of the fire -- in the attic -- prove the blaze was accidental and not arson. "They have confirmed that at this point in time there is absolutely no suspicious nature to this fire whatsoever," said interim Fire Chief Randy Pickering.

Lab tests turned up no evidence like accelerants or signs of vandalism. News 3 was told firefighters found the attic doors still padlocked.

Listening to all of it were some of the families who lost homes in the fire. They want to go back in to get what didn't burn, but the city says that's not safe. Ridgewood's management firm must first hire a structural engineer to check the building.

“We have made it through a huge fire with no injuries what we don't want to do is have anything go wrong now in truly a non emergency situation while they're trying to recover property,” Pickering said.

The wait is just one more setback for the mostly Spanish-speaking fire victims.

Tuesday night News 3 reported some victims have been given vacant apartments by management that seem to be in disrepair -- with dirty dishes and broken appliances. City inspectors say the problems are being addressed.

Still the stress is taking a toll.

“They said last night they couldn't sleep because they hear like any noise, they think something is going to happen. They’re coming in looking in if there's a fire coming out --anywhere they just couldn’t sleep at all," said translator Evelyn Sandoval.

Maria Trevino's family moved into the building just one week before it burned. They said they need dishes, clothes, everything. Security guards are now patrolling the fire scene in case of looters, News 3 reported.

Complex Has a Troubled Past

Fire officials told News 3 there were two arson fires at the Ridgewood complex over the last year. No arrests have been made in those cases.

Also, firefighters have been called to this building 11 times in the last 3 months, mostly on false alarms.

Community Lending a Helping Hand

A Spanish radio station and others are trying to lend a helping hand to the families displaced by the fire. The station "La Movida" went on the airwaves Wednesday, drumming up donations. The morning show also took a lot of calls from Ridgewood residents, complaining about their living conditions.

Advocates say Ridgewood's mostly Latino and many feel taken advantage of.

"Some of them are fearful because they might get evicted and that's the only place they've lived in," said Luis Montoto, a radio host at La Movida. “We figure between 80 to 90 percent of the population in the entire complex is Latino. In the building that burnt down 90 percent of the building was Latino."

How You Can Help

The Red Cross is helping about 60 people from 20 families and says any others in need can call for help too. The number to call is (608) 227-1297.

Fitchburg mayor Tom Clauder has also announced a donation drive to help the victims of the fire. You can bring clothing, blankets, and jackets to Fitchburg City Hall at 5520 Lacy Road. No food items though. You can drop donations off Monday through Friday from 7:30AM to 4:30PM.

Cuna Credit Union on South Fish Hatchery has also set up a drop off site open 9AM until 5PM Monday through Friday.