St. Paul authorities are cautioning area residents that unauthorized collections are gathering cash donations for the families displaced after an apartment fire.

The fire last week caused $100,000 in damage and sent residents scrambling from the eight-unit apartment building. The State Fire Marshals Office has ruled the fire intentional.

Police Chief Steve Studnicka says an organization under the name of Community Center had been attempting to gather funds through collection containers placed at local businesses.

Studnicka says there is no such organization in Saint Paul, though the money has been turned over to the American Red Cross for distribution.

He says it appeared the person who collected the money had good intentions but did not take proper steps before beginning the effort.

Studnicka advises residents to investigate donation attempts before giving money.