EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Residents of Grandview Towers are waiting to return to their apartments on Monday after a deadly fire this weekend.
Investigators say smoking is to blame and medical oxygen may have fueled the flames.
Hundreds of people were told to leave Grandview Towers on Sunday, just off Diamond near First Avenue.
They say it's been a tough 24 hours away from home, some with nothing but the clothing on their backs.
"Me having no where to go. I ain't got no shoes on my feet. I mean, he ain't got no shirt. No meds. Nothing," said Julie Biggs.
Julie Biggs is one of hundreds of residents waiting to get back inside Grandview Towers after Sunday's deadly fire that left one woman dead and evacuated each of the building's 170 apartments.
"We're just trying to hit cheap hotels, but I need to get in there and get my shoes. This is what I'm in. This is all I've got," Biggs said.
On Monday, the Red Cross and fire crews were on hand helping people get things like medication out from inside.
Fire crews say smoking materials on a bed ignited the flames and oxygen fueled the flames.
"We've had three fatalities in the area here, in I think the last several years. Oxygen and smoking are just a very dangerous combination and we can't stress that enough to people," said fire chief Dan Grimm.
Grimm says within minutes of the call, fire crews were on scene putting out the fire and keeping others from getting hurt.
"Luckily, this was only one apartment, and unfortunately we did have a fatality, but this could have been much worse had the crews not gotten in and made such a quick extinguishment effort," Grimm said.
City inspectors say 75 doors were damaged and must be replaced or fixed before residents are allowed back inside.
A moment that can't come too soon for Biggs and her Grandview Towers neighbors.
"They did a good job," Biggs said. "Yes, sir. They did the best that they could."
Inspectors say a check of the building's fire and sprinkler systems must also be done and there is no word on when people can move back in.
The mayor's office is commending the fire department and emergency crews for their quick, effective response.
The coroner's office says an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine an exact cause of death.
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Source: Jim Munsell
