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No injuries as fire destroys Fitchburg apartment complex

The Capital Times  —  7/05/2008 12:49 pm

Displaced residents of a Fitchburg apartment complex that sustained major fire damage Friday night will receive temporary housing at nearby hotels, and the Red Cross is mobilizing relief efforts.

The 26-unit Fitchburg Spring Apartments, located at 3321 Leopold Way, was evacuated successfully late Friday and no serious injuries were reported. However, some residents were treated for smoke inhalation.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, witnesses said the fire was caused by a gas grill that was put hot into a second floor storage shed, where it exploded. Those neighbors then pulled the fire alarm, called 911 and went door-to-door to notify residents.

The fire burned into the early hours of the morning and the structure may be beyond salvage.

Gorman Co., which owns the complex, has arranged for residents to stay two nights at Candlewood Suites and Quality Inn in Fitchburg, the American Red Cross announced in a statement Saturday.

As a result, the Red Cross does not plan to open a shelter.

However, the organization was on the scene early Saturday morning to provide emergency services.

Also, the Red Cross is setting up a a service center at Leopold School -- about a block away at 2602 Post Road -- that will be open Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. to assess the relief needs of the affected residents and potentially provide vouchers to cover lodging, food, clothing, transportation, supplies and counseling.

As of Saturday morning, the Red Cross said it has been in contact with nearly 40 residents of the apartment complex.

To petition for assistance -- or contribute to Red Cross relief efforts -- call 233-9300.

Visit www.captimes.com throughout the day for updates.

The Capital Times  —  7/05/2008 12:49 pm