Man in critical condition after apartment fire

An Idaho Falls apartment complex went up in flames Sunday morning, leaving one man in critical condition and several out of a home.

Firefighters were called to the A-building at the Sand Creek Apartments on Ashment Avenue at 11:30 a.m. One man was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he is in critical condition. The Idaho Falls Fire Department estimates the fire caused $750,000 in damages.

Brad Pettingill, Idaho Falls Fire Department district chief, said they are still investigating the cause, and it could be weeks before they know what started it.

“I woke up to hearing a really loud bang and then heard the fire alarm,” said tenant Daniel Ames.

Pettingill says he believes the fire started in the bottom corner unit and then spread to two apartments above.

“Now we’re just doing some final search and overhaul to make sure we haven’t missed something,” said Pettingill.

The tenants of the 18-unit building were kept out throughout the afternoon and looked on as firefighters continued to investigate. The Red Cross said they are providing food, shelter and clothing for eight people.