One person has been rushed to a hospital with burns and smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at the Franciscan Villa apartments in the 600 block of west Scott in Springfield early Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m.
The Springfield Fire Department says the victim was smoking while on oxygen, and that’s what ignited the flames.
The man’s condition is not known.
The west end of the building was evacuated, but by 6:25 a.m., some of the occupants were being allowed to return to their apartments.
Fire crews say the flames started on the third floor on the west end of the building above the gymnasium, and there’s a lot of water on the gym floor due to the sprinkler system activating.
The unit where the fire started has smoke damage, and five other apartments have water damage.
Scott was closed from Grant to Main while firefighters were on scene.
The apartments are operated by The Kitchen, Inc.
CEO Meleah Spencer says cleanup has already begun.
“The Red Cross has offered their assistance,” Spencer said in a news release. “Sustainable Management and The Kitchen Inc. are working with hotels for temporary rooms for six or less residents and assistance will be offered until the residents can return home.”
Photo courtesy KY3
