Apartment complex catches fire, destroying six units

RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ) – One complex of Richmond Manor Apartments caught fire  Monday afternoon.

Richmond Fire Department said a kitchen fire on the first floor caused the flames to rise to the second floor, then the fire spread left and right, leaving gaping holes where the roof should be.

There were six units in the set of apartments affected. Firefighters said 21 people lived in the six apartments and everyone made it out safely.

LeeAnn Foster was next door to the apartment where the fire originated. She said she was eating a late breakfast when she smelled smoke.

“Whenever I came out this big puff of black smoke came in my face and I started choking, so I was like we’re not going back in for anything else,” Foster said.

Corey Lewis with Richmond Fire Department said Monday’s hot temperatures didn’t help. Multiple agencies were called in for extra man power and extra water.

“One of the reasons we asked from additional resources from the surrounding community, Madison County and those other agencies, was the amount of heat,” he said. “Plus, we had a large building.”

I talked to one mom who was home when the fire broke out in the apartment next to her’s. She sent me these photos of the fire. Hear from her live at 5, 5:30 and 6 on @ABC36News pic.twitter.com/aQ5Llj1m8l

— Monica Harkins ABC 36 (@MonicaHarkinstv) September 30, 2019

A set of Richmond Manor apartments destroyed in a fire this afternoon. Here’s a video of the scene right now. @ABC36News pic.twitter.com/RswgXsfiR5

— Monica Harkins ABC 36 (@MonicaHarkinstv) September 30, 2019