Salvation Army’s waiting list for elderly low-income housing will be longer due to William Booth Garden Apartments fire

March 18--The Salvation Army of Tyler said its waiting list will be longer for its low-income residential housing for senior citizens in wake of Sunday's fire that damaged six units at the William Booth Garden Apartments on Golden Road.

Capt. Nicole Parker of The Salvation Army said the organization is accommodating the six displaced residents in other units of the complex.

She said the organization will have to repair the apartments after they are evaluated by the insurance company.

"This does put a strain on us," Parker said. "It's a very demanded resource that we need in the community."

Parker said The Salvation Army will do its best to make sure those on the waiting list know that they will have to wait a little while longer for an apartment.

She said the length of time someone could spend on the waiting list varies.

Parker praised the Tyler Fire Department for their efforts in controlling the blaze that broke out about 8:15 p.m.

The department said the initial responding unit reported smoke and flames coming from the structure with multiple apartments potentially involved. Firefighters searched the structure for possible victims.

All occupants safely evacuated the structure with no injuries reported, according to the department.

Three apartment units suffered flame damage, with an additional three units suffering smoke and water damage.

Fire heavily damaged the attic area. However, the fire originated on a porch area of one of the apartment units. The cause of the fire had not yet been determined.

Parker said the residents are not in need of anything as they were helped into their temporary space by firefighters on Sunday night.

TWITTER: @LouAnnCampbell

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