Aiken's Colony Apartment fire investigation continues
The incident report released Thursday by the
Investigators believe the fire started on the balcony of Apartment N on the second floor, according to the report.
The occupant of the apartment told authorities she and her boyfriend were both at the residence when the fire started.
They both said they think the fire started on the balcony but don't know why, according to the report.
Investigators still have not confirmed the origin of the blaze, said Aiken Public Safety Lt.
Some residents reported their sprinkler systems and smoke alarms did not go off.
Aiken Public Safety is investigating every aspect, including whether sprinklers turned on and alarms sounded, but nothing is certain at this time, said Public Safety Chief
"There is no water sprinkler malfunction that we are aware of at this time," he said.
A briefing about the investigation has been set for Friday afternoon, Barranco said.
The fire was reported by an off-duty police officer, Public Safety Officer Porter Smith.
Within minutes, the fire burned through 16 apartment units, according to the incident report.
All apartments were evacuated, and no one was seriously injured, though many residents are now in need of simple necessities, as they did not have time to grab many of their belongings, according to the report.
"My friend did not hear any alarms going off," he said. "My friend woke up and felt his lungs burning. That's how he knew something was wrong."
According to Piretti and
"I heard my neighbors stomping around," Roberts told the Aiken Standard on Tuesday. "I heard them go next door and start yelling about a fire."
When asked about the sprinklers, officials with The Colony at South Park had no comment.
Piretti said his friend is worried about what he's going to do because he does not have renter's insurance and basically lost everything. He said the
Red Cross Disaster Specialist
"Assistance was varied among the victims according to their specific needs," said Hutto. "Some were given lodging while others had family members to stay with."
The owners of the complex also are offering the tenants leases to new apartments, some of which are in The Woodwinds complex owned by the same company.
There also is a donation area at the main office of The Colony where people can donate any items they would like to help the victims.
Any monetary donations can be made to the
Reporter
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