Were learning that one person is dead and multiple others are left displaced after the fire broke out at a Blair County apartment building
The Blair County Coroners Office says it was 65 year old Darren Duffel who died in the blaze.
The fire started just before one this morning and Altoona Fire Chief Adam Free says the blaze began on the third floor which is the top floor of the apartment complex.
Authorities say Duffel was found dead inside the building.
Free says it took about an hour and a half to put out the fire and says even though the response was very quick since one of the city’s fire stations is just across the road the fire was fully involved when crews arrived on the
scene.
Blair County Coroner Ray Benton says the cause and manner of death are still under investigation tonight.
“Yeah, there was heavy fire coming out of the third floor.”
“We began searching, evacuating the building.”
“There’s approximately 21 units in there and there’s between 15 and 20 people displaced at this time”
And one of those people that is displaced tonight is a student in the Altoona Area School District according to Superintendent Brad Hatch who says they are looking to be involved in assisting that family
And because multiple residents are left without a home after that apartment fire
The Salvation Army of Altoona is working alongside the Red Cross in assisting residents after the tragedy.
Salvation Army Officers help fire victims with everything from emotional and mental support, other immediate needs as well as helping them with rent and furnishing a new place.
One of the biggest things they help with are household items, appliances, and furniture which they accept from the community.