A fierce moving fire raced through the Racquet Club Apartments , at 1970 Veterans Highway late last night, July 26,2013. By the time it was over, 48 units were damaged. Some were completely destroyed, with the second floor collapsing into the ground floor. Others sustained only smoke damage. The Red Cross was on the scene last night tending to those that lost their homes.
The Red Cross helped these people find alternate housing and gave vouchers for food and clothing. As fire companies first arrived , they found the B building on fire. It was near the tennis courts and swimming pool area. Access was tough and making matters worse was the fact that firefighters had trouble getting water to the fire. This building is shaped like a square. By the time firefighters were able to get ample water on the blaze, the fire ran the common loft and had spread all the way around.
Fire Police worked with local police to close multiple roads in the area, such as New Falls Road from Durham Rd. Veterans Highway and Durham Road were closed for a bout a half mile in both directions to allow for apparatus and hose lay.
People scrambled into their apartments to save pets, before the fire reached their units . Numerous, dog, cat and bird carriers were brought out by frantic residents. Reports of injuries were minimal, with only a few people transported to local hospitals for minor injuries.
Thousands of people streamed into the area to watch what was happening. Numerous times the building had to be evacuated by firefighters, as it was way too dangerous to be inside. Fences were cut to the pool and tennis courts to allow for placement of fire trucks.
The Red Paw Emergency Relief Team is going to be on site later today to help pet owners secure food and medicine for their pets. Facebook users setup a page to help the fire victims. It has over 1000 likes so far. The fire was declared under control just after 1:00 a.m. Fire officials will remain on scene for days to come.
At this time, there is no cause for the fire, as it is still under investigation.