JUNE 22, 2015
BESSEMER, ALA. (WIAT)
A Bessemer apartment complex is a total loss after a Sunday
evening fire.
The fire broke out about 6:00 p.m. at the General Clay
Apartments on Exeter Avenue in Bessemer. According to Battalion Chief
Kenny Ray, the fire may have started on the 30th Avenue side of the 32-unit
complex. The fire spread quickly, aided by strong winds that caused the fire to
jump fire walls.
One person was rescued, and three others suffered smoke
inhalation. All were transported to local hospitals.
The four buildings in the complex were destroyed. About 30
families have been displaced, and the Red Cross is housing 97 people at
the Bessemer Civic Center until at least Wednesday morning.
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BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) — The General Clay Apartments is a
two-story complex with 32 units and all of the families who lived there are
left without a place to call home after a devastating fire Sunday.
“My cousin ran in the house and he said, ‘hey come on, come
on, get out, the house is on fire,’” said William Jackson.
“I just heard a popping noise, I looked out the window and I
told them, fire, and we had to get out,” said Chaka Frost.
Residents of the General Clay Apartments came streaming
outside as smoke plumed up from the building.
“I was just happy everybody got out alright, yes,” said
Jackson. “It’s said thought, because ain’t nobody got nowhere to go.”
Bessemer Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Kenny Ray told WIAT
one woman was rescued from the flames and three others were transported to the
hospital for smoke inhalation, but no one escaped this fire completely
unscathed.
The complex was destroyed.
Several of the residents told WIAT 42 they had only moved
into the apartments a couple of weeks ago.
“A little discouraged, but alright, because I know something
better is ahead,” said Debbie Davis.
The
Red Cross went to the scene to assist the victims and set up a shelter
at the Bessemer Civic Center. 30 of the 97 people who were displaced by the
fire are staying there. The rest are staying with family members.
WIAT 42 spoke with many of the people who lost their homes
and belongings in the fire; they all told us everything they own is now gone.
Monday, at the scene of the fire it was easy to see the destruction the fire
left behind. Every apartment appears to be affected or destroyed by the fire.
“It hurts so bad because I just put myself together a nice
little home and it’s all gone up in fire and there’s things in there I cannot
replace you know,” Kathy Burnett said.
Crews are still investigating the cause of the fire.
The Red Cross has responded to several large apartment fires
in just the past few months. They looked up their numbers and found out they
have helped nearly 700 people since January whose homes have been affected by
fire.
They say their resources are not strained because they get
donations from people in the community. They are accepting donations for
the people displaced in the General Clay apartment fire at the Foundry
Ministries in Bessemer.