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A Columbus Fire Starts In Vacant Apartment

Last updated on Tuesday, December 20, 2011

(COLUMBUS) - A fire that led to the evacuation of residents at an apartment building on Sims Court, near the intersection of 25th Street and Marr Road, began in a vacant first-floor apartment, according to a fire official.

An investigation is under way into the cause of the Saturday night blaze that caused an estimated $50,000 in damage, said Matt Noblitt, spokesman for Columbus Fire Department.

One resident, Maxine Bloomingstock, 72, was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital where she was treated and released.

Brandon Edwards, who lives in an apartment building next to the one that caught fire, saw smoke and flames coming from the windows and called 911. He said one family was hanging out the window of a third-floor window and yelling for help. Edwards and a group of others were able to catch two children under the age of 5 who were dropped from the window.

Another person climbed to a second-story window ledge to rescue 1-year-old Mason Burch, whose grandmother, Janice Marie Burch, handed the man the baby.

Red Cross also arrived at the scene and assisted apartment residents. Apartment complex management found alternate housing for displaced tenants.

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