A small fire broke out in a West Atlantic Avenue apartment building just after midnight Tuesday, activating the indoor sprinkling system and forcing several dozen residents—many of whom are elderly—to evacuate.
Alameda Fire Department (AFD) responded to the scene, found smoke on the third floor, and immediately evacuated everyone, according to KTVU News reporter James Torrez. The sprinkler system had put out the fire, but left enough water behind to displace residents, according to the report.
Resident Sharon Kidd said the alarm, which woke her up, was shocking.
“We have a lot of seniors here that have a lot of water damage and won’t be able to sleep in their apartments tonight,” Kidd told KTVU. “I hope I can sleep in mine tonight.”
Resident Salvador Villegas said the fire started on the third floor, one floor above his. “That’s kind of a close call for us,” Villegas said.
In an update on Facebook, AFD noted that one additional medic unit was dispatched to treat a victim at the scene. Following treatment, the victim was released. No other community members or firefighters were injured, reported AFD.
The Red Cross came to the scene to help and offer resources for those who were forced to leave. AFD reported that about ten individuals have been displaced.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
