Firefighters were called to an apartment in St. Louis Park Friday afternoon, where a massive blaze was burning at the top of the building.
The city of St. Louis Park said the fire was reported at 4:47 p.m. at Helix Apartments, located in the 7500 block of Highway 7. Upon arrival, fire crews found a fire that appeared to have started on the third-floor balcony of the building, though the city says this has not yet been confirmed.
St. Louis Park Fire said the fire was under control as of 8:30 p.m., with some crews remaining on scene to extinguish hot spots and conduct an overhaul to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
Firefighters from approximately 20 fire departments were called to the apartment to help contain and extinguish the three-alarm fire.
One person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and two firefighters were treated on scene for heat-related injuries.
An unknown number of people have been displaced
Approximately 90 apartment units were affected by the fire.
The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are assisting displaced residents with shelter and immediate needs. At this time, St. Louis Park says the exact number of those displaced and whether some residents will be able to return to the apartment is not yet available.
The impact of the fire cannot be understated. Many families have lost their valuables, photos, keepsakes and their homes to the fire.
“It’s all gone, man, you know what I mean? I don’t know what to think,” resident Jordan Ramirez said. “I’m getting married in a week and…my suits in there and…it’s a lot man.”
Reporter Harrison Klopp spoke with a resident of the complex by the first name of Chris.
“I started hearing the alarms go off, anyone who lives in an apartment building like this–the first thing you question is it real,” Chris said. ” Fortunately I took it seriously, me and the dog got out right away, and we got out to the front of the building and could see the flames on the end there it was just insane.”
