17 apartments evacuated due to fire in St. Anthony

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — Multiple agencies are responding to a structure fire in St. Anthony this afternoon. It happened at the intersection of Bridge and Main Street. Traffic was blocked as fire crews fought the fire.

The flames originated in La Mexicana, a local convenience store. Asst. Fire Chief David Fausett shares that the flames were contained mostly in the front of the store.

"Upon arrival with the city of San Anthony. PD was on the scene as well as Fremont County deputies. They assisted us and laying our hose lines while we packed up. We made our initial attack to the front of the building and the fire was confined to the front of the building," Asst Fire Chief David Fausett said.

Two fire engines were called to the scene, as well as the Fremont County Sheriff's Office and Fremont County EMS.

Nearby businesses were also damaged. Seventeen apartments were evacuated as a result of smoke damage. All displaced people will be housed through the Chaplain's Program until the apartments are cleared for livability. No tenants were injured.

Their landlord David Holladey says he's grateful that everyone has a place to stay while they wait for clearance to come back.

"Through the chaplain program, we were able to find places for them to stay tonight. So they've asked us to keep away for about 24 hours and then to go through and inspect the area. If everything looks okay tomorrow. Then we were able to have them right back into their apartments. The plus side is none of the apartments got damaged by any fire, just light smoke. And so they're just worried about some of the residual chemicals from the smoke that could be there so that they're letting the air out for the next 24 hours," Holladey says.

Sandy Russell is the mom of one of the tenants at the building. she shares that thankfully her family is strong and is going to be doing ok.

"At this point in time, they're a little shook up, a little nervous, nervous, and whatnot. But they're they're doing good. We're a strong family. And, you know, I think they'll get through this," Russell said.

The cause is still under investigation. Asst. Fire Chief Fausett said it was an accident, and no foul play was detected. We'll keep you updated as the story develops.