About 100 people are back in their apartments after being evacuated this evening.
A fire broke out in the laundry room at Schnute Towers at 4th and Franklin shortly after 6:00 p.m. Thick smoke spread through the 7-story apartment complex Friday night.
"I don't know how it started, but that smoke traveled real quick," said resident Allan Campbell.
"We hit the stairways and as we were coming down it got so bad you couldn't breath," said Brandon Wydics.
Those who escaped the building and tried to help several of the residents who couldn't make it out on their own.
"I was in the backside, trying to help the other people get out with walkers and wheel chairs and stuff like that trying to help," said Taunya Toodell.
Fire crews rushed to evacuate all floors, a total of more than 100 apartments.
"Unfortunately, we went through a similar scenario just a couple of weeks ago at another high rise on this side of town, and we actually learned a lot of lessons in that event that is helping us this evening," said EPD Sgt. Jason Cullum.
Fortunately, fire station number three is located just across the street from the apartment complex.
A temporary shelter was set up there. Four people were taken by ambulance.
Fire officials say three were treated for smoke inhalation and one for a diabetic reaction. No one is believed to have life threatening injuries.
METs buses staged to help relocate residents if needed. Animal control helped with pets, and the red cross provided snacks and drinks.
After the smoke cleared, some residents were left with no place to go.
"I don't have any family here, my family is in Kentucky," Toodell said.
Residents were relieved to be let back into their apartments around 8:00 p.m. Friday night.
Fire officials say the fire was contained to a dryer in the second floor laundry room.
The cause is under investigation. Fire officials say there is minor smoke damage to other parts of the building.
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The second and third floors of the building were evacuated due to smoke.
