By Alyssa Johnson
Lincoln Journal Star
LINCOLN, Neb. — Jasmine Hernandez had just arrived for work near downtown Lincoln on Monday morning when she smelled smoke. Scanning for a source, she spotted a glow in the window of a three-story apartment building.
She drove her truck across the alley at 11th and G streets, where she saw flames consuming the Apollo Apartments at 730 S. 11th St.
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“I started thinking about what I should do because I’ve never been in a situation like that,” Hernandez said. “I figured that the building was secured and I wouldn’t be able to get in, so that’s when I started slamming my horn trying to wake people up to get them to come out of their homes, or at least notice.”
Hernandez dialed 911. The fire chief later told her she was the first to call about the fire, which eventually destroyed the building, displacing its residents and knocking out power to nearby homes and businesses. One Lincoln Fire and Rescue firefighter sustained minor injuries. No one else was injured but some cats remained missing in the hours following.
LFR spokesperson MJ Lierman said she did not know how many people were ultimately displaced by the fire but said the building had eight units, six of which were occupied. The apartment was built in 1915.
The American Red Cross set up a shelter for those displaced at Lincoln High School. Lauren Ritta, the Red Cross’s community disaster program manager for Southeast Nebraska, said nearly a dozen people were at the shelter at its peak.
Lierman said the fire started in the attic space and roof. When crews arrived shortly after 5:30 a.m., firefighters were able to initially enter and rescue the residents, but had to “go defensive” because the roof was collapsing, Lierman said.
Hernandez watched as the families were evacuated.
“I just wish I could have did more,” Hernandez said. “It’s just sad. It was just the holidays, and to think someone lost their home.”
As of 9:30 a.m., the fire was considered under control, but Lierman said some smoldering continued behind a brick wall. Crews continued to monitor the scene Monday.
A spokeswoman from Lincoln Electric System said water from fighting the fire froze on electric lines, ultimately causing power outages in the nearby area, affecting some businesses. All power was restored by about noon.
The cause of the fire has not been determined, but Lierman said the building, valued at $402,900, is considered a total loss. The investigation will be ongoing for several days until the building is safe to enter, Lierman said.
The icicles that hung from roofs and power lines Monday were evidence of the frigid temps and the amount of water firefighters used to fight the blaze. Lincoln was in the low teens Monday morning with a wind chill of minus 6, according to the National Weather Service.
Residents were eventually taken inside StarTran buses to keep warm. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are helping with relocations.
Ritta said she was able to partner with Lincoln Public Schools to open Lincoln High by 10:15 a.m. for those displaced.
Ritta said they have had people requesting resources for numerous reasons, including food, shelter and transportation from vehicles covered in ice.
The Capital Humane Society has also lent a helping hand by temporarily housing pets who were affected by the fires.
In addition to LPS opening a school, Ritta said Lincoln High’s women’s wrestling team was hosting a banquet and invited people in for breakfast.
“It’s tough to see people negatively impacted, but we are honored to be part of the recovery,” Ritta said. “It’s a big deal to have a community that helps people be resilient.”
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