“I know that when crews came on the scene, they had a pretty chaotic scene,” Lykins said. “A lot of people inside windows looking like they were going to jump. … It’s difficult when you pull up and you see multiple people in windows.”
Crews conducted an aggressive interior search upon arrival around 3 a.m. and confirmed one fatality on the third floor, according to Lykins. The entire complex needed to be evacuated and one person was taken to the hospital to be treated.
Fire crews used ladders to rescue people trapped inside.
Renee Coldly, apartment resident on the second floor, said she woke up to responders pounding on doors, alerting residents to get out of the engulfed building.
“It’s just tragic,” Coldly said. “It spread really quickly.”
The Red Cross was on scene to help the displaced occupants and keep them warm throughout the morning.
Coldly said some residents were able to go back inside and grab a few belongings after the fire was put out. However, Coldly said she will need to get a hotel as the occupants are not able to return to their apartments.
“Crews really did a phenomenal job. I’m really proud of them,” Lykins said.
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