Modesto apartment fire displaces 29 residents as neighbors work together to evacuate
A fire at the Valley Oak apartment complex in Modesto on Sunday morning displaced 29 people, with neighbors stepping in to help evacuate residents before firefighters arrived
MODESTO, Calif. —
A fire at the Valley Oak apartment complex on Oakdale Road in Modesto early Sunday morning displaced 29 residents, including 23 adults, six children, and multiple pets, as neighbors worked together to ensure everyone got out safely before fire crews arrived.
Jerry Lewis, who has lived at the complex for 16 years, described the community as being “like family.”
When Lewis saw flames coming from his next-door neighbor’s apartment, he immediately took action.
“I run, bang on the neighbor Morgan’s door,” Lewis said. “Broke the container for the fire extinguisher tried to slow the fire down, then bang back on the door, she still didn’t come. I run upstairs and get another fire extinguisher.”
Lewis said he helped his neighbors evacuate their apartments while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
The fire damaged six apartment units and caused power outages in 16 units. Officials confirmed that 29 people were displaced, and a cat died in the fire.
The American Red Cross is assisting residents affected by the fire by providing financial aid and other necessities.
“We’ll be sticking with these individuals for the next several days and weeks, connecting them with recovery resources from the community,” said Taylor Poisall of the American Red Cross.
Lewis said he has been able to return to his apartment to retrieve important documents and other essential items. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful for the future.
The Modesto Fire Department responded to the fire around 7:45 a.m. Sunday and was able to contain the flames. All residents were evacuated safely.
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