California Apartment Complex Blaze Leaves More Than 100 Homeless

July 19, 2004
An apartment building fire early Sunday morning left more than 100 people without a home, officials said.

COVINA, Calif. (AP) -- An apartment building fire early Sunday morning left more than 100 people without a home, officials said.

The blaze at the Mountain View Venture complex was reported at 4:05 a.m. and more than 100 firefighters were dispatched, said county Fire Inspector Ed Osorio.

Smoke and fire was pouring from the second floor of the three-story complex when firefighters arrived, Osorio said.

``The fire pretty much ravaged the entire building,'' he said.

Firefighters evacuated the residents. Six people who suffered minor smoke inhalation were treated at the scene and taken to a hospital for evaluation.

One firefighter suffered minor burns to his ears. He was immediately treated and taken to a hospital for further evaluation, Osorio said.

The flames were knocked down about 6:49 a.m. after parts of the second and third floors collapsed.

It took firefighters a while to extinguish the blaze at the 36-unit complex because of the evacuation and collapses.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. There was no estimate immediately available on damages.

The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross was helping 139 people left homeless by the fire.

An evacuation center was set up at nearby Faith Community Church. People at the church helped the displaced fire victims by providing food, drinks and clothing, Osorio said. An announcement during services also led to cash donations.

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