WENTZVILLE, Mo. — Several people were left without a home after being woken up by heavy flames early Thursday morning at a Wentzville apartment complex.
According to the Wentzville Fire Protection District, crews responded at about 2:45 a.m. Thursday to a second-alarm fire at one of the buildings at Pineview Apartments, 116 St. Charles St., located just yards away from Wentzville Middle School.
Nearly a dozen residents were woken up to heavy smoke and flames. The Wentzville Fire Protection District says the wind was a big challenge.
When firefighters arrived, there was heavy fire in the rear of the eight-unit building, and wind posed a challenge for getting the flames under control.
"You go to sleep last night thinking you're going to wake up tomorrow the same routine, carry on about your day, just to be woken up in the middle of the night and everything's in flames," said neighbor Sydni Gross.
Investigators say the fire started on a second-floor balcony in the back, but the actual cause is under investigation.
"I woke up randomly at 5 in the morning and saw flickering through my black-out curtains and went to my back door and saw at least 6 different fire trucks pouring water through the top. I just saw the building cave-in and all the neighbors coming out. It's just really devastating," said neighbor Claira Johnson.
"Balcony fires are an issue. In the newer style apartments, there's a sprinkler head on the balcony. But in the older balconies, there may not be," Fire Chief Steven Mosher said.
According to the fire protection district, one of the residents in a nearby building was awake, saw the fire and began banging on apartment doors to wake everyone up. As a result, no residents were injured, but several pets died as a result of the fire.
The top four units were damaged by the fire, but all eight units were impacted, according to the fire protection district.
The Wentzville Fire Protection District says this is the second fire in two weeks in St. Charles County that started on the balcony.
Another fire broke out last week at Enclave at Winghaven Apartments, located on Applerock Drive in O'Fallon. This time, a balcony fire left dozens of residents without a home.
Chief Mosher wants this to be a safety reminder for people when you're on your balcony grilling or having a cigarette.
"Just be very conscientious of what you're doing and if you do have a candle, or a cigarette, or grilling, just don't leave it unattended," Mosher said.
The American Red Cross is helping relocate the displaced residents.
Landlords with the Pineview Apartments worked with nonprofit Marcy's Project to put out a call for items the displaced families need. Donations can be dropped off Friday betwen 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1241 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters.
Organizers asked people to check the Marcy's Project Facebook page for updates on what items might be needed.
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