A four-alarm apartment fire that took place early Saturday morning has left more than 50 people displaced in Dallas.
Dallas Fire-Rescue said firefighters responded to a 911 call about a structure fire at about 3:24 a.m. The fire happened along the 7500 block of Hunnicut Road at the Mayan Homes Apartments in Southeast Dallas.
Firefighters soon discovered that the fire started inside a two-story apartment building and spread to a second one. The four-alarm fire ripped through the building, causing sections of the building's roof to collapse, said Dallas Fire-Rescue in a news release.
After about an hour and a half, crews were able to extinguish the fire.
Investigators determined that a man who lived in one of the units had left a candle lit after he fell asleep. The man was able to get out of the building after he awoke to the smell of smoke. investigators said the man tried to put the fire out but was unsuccessful.
A total of 36 units were destroyed.
One person suffered from injuries from the flames. Officials transported the resident to a hospital to have his injuries evaluated.
Officials said two people had been reported unaccountable. However, there was no evidence to show that the people had been inside during the fire. Dogs were brought to the apartments to sniff through the debris, but no discoveries were made.
A secondary search was done after a demolition of the buildings was conducted. No bodies were found after the search.
The Red Cross opened a shelter to help assist the many families who have been displaced due to the fire. So far, the Red Cross has helped 26 families with the means to purchase clothing shoes and safe shelter.
The shelter opened at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and is located at the Samuel Grand Recreation Center, 6200 East Grand Avenue, in Dallas.
In an 8-hour period between Friday night and Saturday morning, the Red Cross responded to two large apartment fires in Dallas that displaced nearly 100 people.
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The Red Cross is asking for donations to be sure the agency can respond each and every time the need arises. To donate, text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 or click on www.redcross.org to donate a different amount.
