JOHNSTON, Iowa — At least 18 people have been displaced from their homes following a fire at an apartment building, the Johnston-Grimes Fire District said in a press release.
Crews responded to a fire that broke out at an apartment located at 5740 Gables Way around 10 a.m. on Thursday. Neighbors and nearby residents tell Local 5 they began to smell smoke and rushed over to see what was happening.
“I was driving here to come visit my mom. We're driving, getting closer, and it’s just getting darker and darker,” said Johnston resident Destiny Garrison, who lives just across the street.
Garrison’s sister Eternity, along with their mother, both live in one of the townhomes within the complex.
“Pull up and all I see is flames," she told Local 5. "Flames and smoke, and then fire trucks start loading in, loading in.".
Six other metro fire departments assisted in fighting the fire.
“Our first arriving units found heavy fire and smoke coming from the attic of the structure, and a lot of fire on the backside,” said Johnston Fire Capt. Tristan Johnston.
The Johnston-Grimes Fire District said the fire was brought under control quickly, and no one was injured. Preliminary findings indicate the fire likely started on the ground level back patio and then worked its way up to the attic.
“We don't have a lot of fire damage inside any apartment, so all the damage is contained to the attic space on the roof,” Johnson added.
However, six units were damaged in the fire, displacing 12 adults and six children.
The American Red Cross is providing case management and helping displaced residents find temporary housing.
As of Thursday evening, the cause of the fire is still unknown. The State Fire Marshal will continue to investigate.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.