Three Hurt In “Suspicious” Johnson City Fire
Three people were injured in an early-morning multiple-alarm fire at a Johnson City apartment building. Police say they're treating it as a "suspicious incident."
The blaze at 85 Floral Avenue was reported around 3:10 a.m.
Most of the 33 units in the Floral Apartments complex were occupied. Firefighters rescued several people from second-floor windows of the burning building.
A firefighter was among those hurt. Two residents were injured when they jumped from windows.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross assisted dozens of displaced residents following the three-alarm blaze.
Red Cross community executive Shelly Bierwiler said volunteers talked with 18 families in the aftermath of the fire.
Bierwiler said a shelter was set up at a nearby church to provide help for those in need. She said 12 people from the damaged building were at the shelter early this afternoon.
A fire investigator said the blaze may have originated in a common area at the center of the two-story building.
The investigator said firefighters "did a heck of a job" rescuing residents from the complex.
A police department detective said the blaze is considered to be a "suspicious incident." He said people with information may contact investigators at 607.798.9318 extension 229.