Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Friday evening at approximately 1030PM Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to an apartment fire at 700 W. 6th St. Multiple residents called 911 reporting fire alarms sounding and smoke in the hallway.
Fire units arrived on scene to find flames coming out of a second story window. Initial reports were that occupants were trapped inside. The first two crews arriving on scene began searching for occupants and removed one resident from a balcony using a ground ladder. The remainder of the residents were able to self-evacuate prior to fire department arrival. One minor was transported to the hospital via ambulance for a small burn. The fire extended up the exterior of the structure to the third floor and attic area. Fire crews were able to control the fire spread within the first ten minutes on scene. Two of the twelve apartment units sustained heavy fire damage and there was extensive smoke damage throughout the structure. The building is currently uninhabitable and residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded with 7 fire trucks, 5 support vehicles, and 34 firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was supported by Sioux Falls Police Department, Paramedics Plus, Mid-American Energy, Xcel Energy, Sioux Area Metro, and American Red Cross.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue would like to remind residents of the importance of working smoke detectors. Detectors should be installed in every sleeping area, outside the sleeping areas, and tested monthly.
For more information from Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, visit www.siouxfalls.org/fire or follow us on facebook.com/siouxfallsfire or twitter.com/siouxfallsfire .