The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

A fire in Bridge City has left nine apartments destroyed and its residents without a place to call home. In addition, the Chief of the McLewis Volunteer Fire Department, David Roberts, suffered a broken arm.

Firefighters responded to the fire about 9 p.m. at the three-story apartment complex located at 245 Tenny. All of the residents were able to escape the blaze, but the tenants which included singles and families were left with nothing from the fire, water and smoke damages.

However, the managers of the apartment complex are collecting items for the fire victims. So far, they have received beds and do not need anymore. But, they are still in need of other items such as kitchen items, toiletries, home decor and adult clothes of all sizes.

According to Lynell Richard, leasing manager at the Village Apartments, some of the tenants have been relocated to another complex owned by the company, Southern Oaks, while their residences are repaired. Other tenants have decided to stay with family or friends until they can return.

“A lot of them were affected by Ike and it’s sad to see them lose everything again,” Richard said.

The donated items can be taken to 245 Tenny or for more information call 409-735-7696.

The McLewis Fire Department had been called to assist the Bridge City Fire Department. Roberts suffered a broken arm when a fire engine was being driven to unravel a fire hose when a coupling became stuck on the truck bed. The hose had just been connected to a fire hydrant. The tension became too much and causing the hose to snap and send a 30 pound coupling toward Roberts. He was struck in his left elbow causing it to be broken in two places.

He was treated at the scene and taken to a hospital for surgery. Roberts is expected to be off work for several months.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.