Clinton Fire Department battles blaze at apartment complex; leaves residents displaced
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: July 11, 2012
A raging fire and heavy smoke forced 2 residents to jump out of their window to safety. And now, at least twelve people are displaced following a fire in Clinton this morning.
Off the top tonight, Eyewitness News reporter Rachel Polansky was at the scene of the fire and she joins us live with details.
Rescue crews were called to the Old Carriage House Apartment complex in Clinton this morning. The fire chief says it took 45 minutes to knock down the fire. No one was seriously injured but it caused damage to 4 units - Leaving some residents homeless.
"People were screaming fire. When we went to go out our front door, we couldn't get out, the smoke was too bad, the whole hall was in flames. And me and 4 other children went out the window, and now we're just waiting to see what's gonna happen," says Shanon Whitby, apartment resident.
At about 8:15am, the Clinton Fire Department received the call - a 4-unit structure fire at the Old Carriage House Apartments. When the first crews arrived, they found flames and heavy smoke coming from the second-floor and roof of the building
"I saw smoke billowing out of the windows where the fire was and 2 people hanging out of them, yelling for help. There was one man who had a red truck," says Audrey Amecher, neighbor and eyewitness.
Now the hero of the day- this pickup truck and the man driving it- Clinton Fire Department says the man backed this car up to the apartment building and rescued at least 2 people who were hanging out of the window.
"The woman jumped first, and then the man jumped after - Then the smoke was billowing out so badly, you could barely see them," says Amecher.
The fire caused damage to 4 apartments units, some more extensive than others - As well as heavy damage to the building's roof.
"It was on the second floor, looks like it might've started in the balcony area - Had a large volume of smoke and fire and it was up through the roof. That's why we brought our tower ladder and put it out back, because it started to extend along the roof," says Mark Young, Clinton Fire Chief.
The chief says at least 12 people were displaced.
"It was horrible and it still is. The aftermath of where you go and your kids clothes - but at least we're all safe," says Whitby.
The American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley says its providing shelter, clothing, and food to the people affected in the fire. Officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation - But we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Off the top tonight, Eyewitness News reporter Rachel Polansky was at the scene of the fire and she joins us live with details.
Rescue crews were called to the Old Carriage House Apartment complex in Clinton this morning. The fire chief says it took 45 minutes to knock down the fire. No one was seriously injured but it caused damage to 4 units - Leaving some residents homeless.
"People were screaming fire. When we went to go out our front door, we couldn't get out, the smoke was too bad, the whole hall was in flames. And me and 4 other children went out the window, and now we're just waiting to see what's gonna happen," says Shanon Whitby, apartment resident.
At about 8:15am, the Clinton Fire Department received the call - a 4-unit structure fire at the Old Carriage House Apartments. When the first crews arrived, they found flames and heavy smoke coming from the second-floor and roof of the building
"I saw smoke billowing out of the windows where the fire was and 2 people hanging out of them, yelling for help. There was one man who had a red truck," says Audrey Amecher, neighbor and eyewitness.
Now the hero of the day- this pickup truck and the man driving it- Clinton Fire Department says the man backed this car up to the apartment building and rescued at least 2 people who were hanging out of the window.
"The woman jumped first, and then the man jumped after - Then the smoke was billowing out so badly, you could barely see them," says Amecher.
The fire caused damage to 4 apartments units, some more extensive than others - As well as heavy damage to the building's roof.
"It was on the second floor, looks like it might've started in the balcony area - Had a large volume of smoke and fire and it was up through the roof. That's why we brought our tower ladder and put it out back, because it started to extend along the roof," says Mark Young, Clinton Fire Chief.
The chief says at least 12 people were displaced.
"It was horrible and it still is. The aftermath of where you go and your kids clothes - but at least we're all safe," says Whitby.
The American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley says its providing shelter, clothing, and food to the people affected in the fire. Officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation - But we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
