St. Louis High-Rise Fire Forces Residents to Evacuate

Aug. 24--ST. LOUIS -- Residents on the 18th and 19th floors of a senior apartment building had to be evacuated during a fire at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Firefighters were called to a fire on the 19th floor of the Heritage House Apartments at 2800 Olive Street, said St. Louis Fire Department Capt. Gregg Favre. Heavy smoke was present on the 19th floor when firefighters arrived, he said.

It took firefighters at least 35 minutes to extinguish the flames. Residents were taken to the lobby area where there was air-conditioning. The cause of the fire is being investigated and is unknown at this time.

Two residents were treated for minor injuries but refused transportation to a local hospital. There were no injuries to firefighters although there was concern because of the oppressive heat index, Favre said. He said hauling equipment that weighs at least 75 pounds up 19 floors was a challenge.

"The heat was certainly a factor with the 110 heat index," he said. "That can take a toll."

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