CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — Two people were taken to the hospital following a large apartment fire in Clarksville Sunday.
Clarksville Fire Department responded to the incident in the 200 block of East Ettels Lane, near Eastern Boulevard around 7:15 a.m.
It took multiple fire units about two hours to extinguish the blaze.
According to a preliminary investigation, the fire started on the second floor of the apartments in the attic area. Officials said when they arrived on scene, people were self-rescuing and there were even reports of people jumping from windows to safety.
Fire Chief Brandon Skaggs said the conditions of the two transported to UofL Hospital aren’t known.
No other injuries were reported but officials said a dog and a parrot died in that fire.
Skaggs said about six units suffered heavy fire damage while 10 to 12 were damaged by smoke and water. About 30 people have been impacted by the fire and are currently being helped by the American Red Cross.
When the apartment went up in flames, members of a nearby church jumped in to help residents.
"I mean, we were having services yesterday. We were just thankful that we were able to be here, you know, when this happened," said Tina Richey, Ministry Assistant at First Southern Baptist Church.
Richey said the church immediately opened its doors to the displaced residents, offering them water, coffee and blankets - whatever they may need.
Members of the church said they will continue to lend a helping hand by collecting donations this week.
From 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, people can drop off items to donate, and residents in need can also pick up items at that time. To find out how you can help, visit the church's Facebook page.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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