Neighbors Help Each Other Escape Fire

Twenty-four people lost their homes Wednesday morning when fire ripped through a building at The Falls at Highpoint Apartments on Markville Drive, near Greenville Avenue and Interstate 635, in North Dallas.

Flames broke out just before midnight and shot through the roof of the 3-story building, and residents quickly knocked on neighbors' doors to make sure everyone got out safely. They did, and no one was injured.

"I'm still shaking because I can't believe it's happened to our apartments, and we are a family around here, seriously," said resident Sherrie Hawkins, whose apartment wasn't burned but she helped wake up neighbors.

Firefighters had to retreat at one point, when the fire became too intense. Once they got the flames under control, firefighters went back into the building to put out the fire. They stayed until after 5 a.m. to put out hot spots.

Some people have gone back into their apartment to gather what belongings are left that were not destroyed in the fire. The Red Cross has been helping those who need it.

Investigators have not determined where the fire started or what caused it. Most of the damage appeared to be concentrated on the third floor.

"Made me feel really good that everybody was getting out and that they were answering their doors. Felt good about that," said Bradley Jones, who had lived in his apartment for two years.

Contact Us