NEW CARROLLTON, Md. — Over 100 people are finding a new place to stay after a fire ripped through an apartment complex Monday night.
Residents alerted three New Carrollton police officers who were patrolling the area about the fire in the 5400 block of 85th Avenue. Those officers called for help and then went to the apartment building, going door to door to alert residents.
Smoke and fire filled stairwells and prevented people on the upper floors of the garden-style building, with three stories on one side and four stories on the other, from getting out.
One hundred firefighters used 40 pieces of equipment to fight the blaze and to assist residents.
A mother and infant were rescued by a volunteer firefighter from Kentland Fire/EMS using a ground ladder. They were not injured. Six others were also rescued from balconies.
Four people with minor injuries and illnesses were transported to the hospital. One resident broke an ankle when he or she may have jumped to avoid the smoke and flames. Ten other people were evaluated at the scene but did not need to be hospitalized.
Four buildings are connected. Two were directly affected by the fire. Two others were closed because utilities were shut off.
The fire was extinguished after 40 minutes. The Red Cross is trying to find places for 120 residents from about 60 apartments.
Fire officials say the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunctioning HVAC unit. The loss estimate is $250,000.
Republished with permission from WUSA9.