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Nov. 02--Several dozen Roseville residents remained out of their homes Wednesday after an apartment building fire burned for hours the night before, leaving the entire 24-unit complex uninhabitable, authorities said.
The blaze started at about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday in a second-floor unit in the three-story Centennial Garden Apartments, spawning heavy smoke and flames visible from the street, said Fire Chief Tim O'Neill.
Firefighters used a ladder to rescue two residents from a second-story window because their escape through the hall was impeded by heavy smoke, O'Neill said.
One of the residents was poised to jump before help arrived, according to the Fire Department.
As of Wednesday morning, about 75 residents were still unable to return to their homes at the extensively damaged building in the 2800 block of Pascal Street, the chief said.
Further inspections are needed before the residents can return, the Fire Department said, adding that the fire did at least $1.3 million in damage.
About 80 firefighters from Roseville and neighboring cities needed five hours to contain the blaze, O'Neill said. One of them suffered a minor injury that did not require hospitalization.
The fire's cause has yet to be determined.
Paul Walsh --612-673-4482
