An overnight fire caused major damage to a Murfreesboro apartment. The fire caused major damage to a 12-unit building, forcing the evacuation and displacement of 22 residents.
The fire happened around 11 p.m. at 1540 Place Apartments on Lascassas Pike.
Murfreesboro firefighters arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the attic of an apartment on the third floor. The fire response began an offensive attack on the fire, but were forced to exit due to safety concerns. A master stream from a ladder truck was used to extinguish the flames.
The fire and police departments went door-to-door, evacuating the residents as the blaze consumed the building.
The apartment building sustained extensive fire and water damage; however, no injuries were reported.
"We kept a watch on fire personnel as a precaution, due to low temperatures," said the acting battalion chief of Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD), David Sloan. "The wind played a factor in fanning the fire, but firerighters did an exceptional job extinguishing the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings."
Murfreesboro electric workers turned off the electricity going to the now inhabitable building.
Volunteers with the Heart of Tennessee chapter of the American Red Cross were called to the scene to assist the displaced residents.
The Fire Marshal's office of MFRD is investigating the fire.
