Resident speaks; Apartment fire displaces eight
A fire was reported in the area of 23 rd Street and Madison Ave on Wednesday shortly after 8 p.m.
Yuma Fire Department personnel found heavy smoke coming from a group of apartments at 105 East 23 rd Street. The fire was found to be in an attached storage unit on the south side of the building. Firefighters were able to quickly control and extinguish the fire.
The fire was found to have started in the storage room and spread to an attic area of an adjoining apartment. Damage was contained to the storage room and contents and the attic area. Although the surrounding apartments were not damaged, main electrical wiring affecting the complex was damaged by the fire. Due to this damage, the building’s eight apartments were not able to be reoccupied until repairs were completed. Building management was able to secure temporary housing for the six residents who were affected.
One resident who declined to show her face on camera, shares what she went through that night.
“One of the firemen said, ma’am you have to get out, there’s fire. I grabbed my purse and my dog. Just smelled the smoke and because of the smoke they said we needed to get out,” said the resident.
The cause of the fire has not been determined but trespassers/suspicious persons had been recently found in and around the unsecured storage room. You can help your police and fire departments, and help protect your homes and families, when you report suspicious circumstances and persons. Be aware of people hanging around areas they do not belong. Reporting this type of suspicious activity to the police immediately (9-1-1) can prevent crimes and even save lives.
