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More Than 90 Displaced By Elk River Apartment Fire

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Sep 20, 2008 10:59 pm US/Central

More Than 90 Displaced By Elk River Apartment Fire

Reporting
John Lauritsen
ELK RIVER, Minn. (WCCO) ― Fire investigators are trying to determine what caused a huge fire at an apartment complex in Elk River.

Flames broke out at the Lion's Park Apartment just before 10 a.m. Saturday. There are more than 60 units in the building. Fire crews rushed to get occupants out.

The Police Chief said he believes the fire started in a laundry room on the top floor and may have spread into the attic through a garbage shoot. No serious injuries have been reported. More than 90 people were displaced by the fire.

Fire officials said it took five aerial trucks and thousands of gallons water to put the fire out.

"The flames look like, I swear five feet tall. They were huge. I've never seen anything like it before," said Natalie Sexton, a Lion's Park resident.

Some people living in the building said the fire struck quickly and without warning.

"No fire alarm went off at all. I was at work, it was just her there," said Travis Barke another resident. "Our windows are steamed up from all the water already so we know we got water damage, that's for sure."

Sexton clarified that the fire alarm went off when somebody pulled it.

As residents rushed outside they left behind their homes and belongings. This evening, many still don't know if they have a home to go back to.

"The whole roof is caved in on this side and we are on the second floor so the water damage is going to be just horrible, if not fire and smoke," said Tammy Watkins, another resident. "Our windows are steamed up from all the water so we know we have water damage, that's for sure."

Water damage is a concern for the entire building. Because fire crews had to attack the fire from the top of the building, they are worried water weight is putting pressure on the concrete floors below.

Police Chief Jeff Beahen said he's pleased no one was seriously injured, and he credits those who rushed to the scene to help out.

"I have such a warm spot in my heart right now. These same guys that were in there knocking on doors have been out here helping us carry water and ice, they've gone on fire trucks with me down to the fire station to get supplies and come back. A lot of the residents here are some of our heroes today, we are very proud of what they have done," said Beahen.

The Elk River school district is also helping out. They will be providing free school lunch to kids whose families were affected by the fire.

The police chief said the fire may have started in a third-floor laundry room and spread into the attic. It could be weeks before residents are allowed back in.



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