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Last updated 10:37 pm CT February 08, 2010.
Residents of Apartment Building Displaced by Fire
"There was just a bunch of yelling and screaming and there were some people running down the stairs."
Scott Cogdill was one of the 26 tenants evacuated from an apartment building on East Broadway early Sunday morning.
The residents were asked to leave the building as flames swept the block - burning H & R Block and a bar called the Pub. The businesses were just a few doors down from Scott's home.
"I was trying to keep my head about myself."
Now Scott and other residents displaced by the fire are staying at a West Frankfort Motel-- thanks to the Red Cross. The organization is helping the tenants get back on their feet.
"They gave us a debit card so we could get food and clothing because there were a lot of us that couldn't get anything out of our building."
Scott says while the work of the Red Cross is wonderful, he admits it's tough knowing that many of his belongings could have fire or water damage.
Johnston City officials say it's likely that Scott's apartment building will have to be demolished. Even before the fire, leaders say there were problems.
"It's in such horrible condition. There were several city code violations and the owner is out of the area. The owner is in Chicago" says Mayor Ryan Horn.
Since the Red Cross can only cover motel expenses for displaced residents for one week, Scott says he's not sure where he'll go. He admits he's been homeless before.
"If I can't find apartment because apartments are so hard to find, I'll have to live in my truck again."
By: Jackie McPherson
jmcpherson@wsiltv.com
Now: 1265690425
