By Judith McGinnis
The Times Record News
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — By Monday, 11 people were left homeless following a fire late Sunday at the French Quarter Apartments.
Residents were forced from their apartments Sunday night following a three alarm blaze that began in a fireplace flue.
Those sent into the night were quickly assisted by the local American Red Cross with temporary housing, clothing and food. Red Cross volunteers distributed food to all residents of the complex while power was being restored to the habitable units.
“Most of those who were affected by the fire were Midwestern (State University) students. There also were a couple of families,” said Katrina Farmer, ARC North Central Texas executive director.
“Seven apartments were completely destroyed and five others had minor damage, the kind of water and smoke damage where items can be cleaned and recovered.”
The Red Cross quickly arranged motel rooms for the evacuees, and Farmer said most felt they would be able to find other accommodations in the next few days.
“The apartment complex has some openings which will help some,” she said. “We have provided referrals to different agencies like the Food Bank and Disaster Helping Hands, which can help them replace furnishing they may need to get started up again.”
The fire broke out about 9:15 p.m., according to Assistant Fire Marshal Antoinette Hastings.
Hastings said the fire spread into the attic of the building. In theaftermath, seven apartment units were left uninhabitable because of water damage. On Monday, firefighters returned to extinguish some smoldering spots. Nobody was hurt in the fire.
Farmer said this type of assistance is standard.
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