Flora apartment complex goes up in flames
FLORA — Though donations have poured in for the eight families affected by an apartment fire here on Thanksgiving Day, volunteers say they are still working to help rebuild the lives of the families.
The Flora Fire Department responded to an apartment fire at the Crestview Apartments Unit B off Highway 49 in Flora on Thursday, Nov. 28, fire officials said.
Upon arrival, “heavy fire” in the top four units was seen coming through the roof.
“An aggressive attack was made to keep the fire confined to the second floor,” a statement said.
The Madison Fire Department, Gluckstadt Fire Department and the Southwest Madison Fire Department also responded to the scene. FFD officials said MFD brought one of their ladder trucks to assist and the other two offered personnel.
No injuries were reported, and everyone who lived in the complex made it out safely.
Mark Sandifer, executive pastor at First Baptist Church in Flora, said they are collecting funds to help with temporary housing, Walmart gift cards, and gas in addition to physical donations.
Donations can be made at FBCflora.org. There is an online giving option, and donors can select “Special” and note “fire victims,” Sandifer said.
He said they are collecting clothes and toys for the families and will distribute them to the family members at the Christian Life Center on their church campus at 102 Jackson Street in Flora on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
East Flora Elementary School has also been a point of contact for the families. By Saturday afternoon, they announced they were no longer receiving donations for the victims as they had plenty to sort through.
“We are so thankful for the donations that we have received for our families,” a statement from the school said. “We are asking that at this time, no more donations are dropped off until we have sorted what we have received. Sorting our current donations will make pickup more convenient for our families. Thank you all for understanding and for your help!”
The American Red Cross is also organizing efforts for the victims.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” a statement from the Flora Fire Department said.