An unattended cooking fire displaced more than 20 residents early Wednesday after a fire broke out at a Bloomington apartment building, authorities said.
The Bloomington Fire Department was called at 5:07 a.m. to a three-story, 12-unit apartment building at Tracy Drive and Urban Street in South Bloomington. The fire caused heavy damage on the third floor, and thick smoke poured into the third-floor hallway, according to department spokesperson Frank Friend.
All residents safely evacuated the building. No injuries were reported, but the structure sustained severe fire, smoke and water damage.
City of Bloomington staff and fire crews spent much of the morning retrieving residents’ personal belongings before boarding up the building.
The Red Cross is assisting more than 20 people. Officials said the exact number of displaced residents is still being confirmed.
A temporary shelter has been set up at a local church, and Unit 5 school district is coordinating support for children and families affected.
