Local fire destroys apartment complex

It was 6 a.m. Friday, January 6 and Brian Kroeger, a resident at Park Jefferson Apartments, was awoken by the sound of fire trucks and police sirens. Kroeger got out of bed and went outside to see what was going on.

"When I walked outside they were in the parking lot and the end of the apartment building was on fire," said Kroeger.

According to Kroeger, after he realized the apartments were on fire he ran back into the building and began to wake up the neighbors by hitting the doors and yelling.

IUSB graduate Ausra Dzidolikaite and current IUSB student Faiz Zulkifly, also residents in the building, were awoken by the sounds of neighbors beating on their door. "We were able to escape the fire because the police and our neighbors started banging on our door, the fire alarms never went off," said Dzidolikaite.

Firemen and the police entered the apartments and began doing the same thing. They were able to successfully evacuate the building. There were no deaths or injuries associated with the fire.

"Some people were sitting in their cars, and everybody was stunned. There were a lot of people crying, and a lot of people that were cold because they didn't have time to get their coats," said Kroeger.

Most of the residents of Park Jefferson Apartments lost everything they had in the fire. The flames destroyed 28 of the 40 apartments, leaving most residents homeless and without their belongings.

"My boyfriend was able to get some clothes, but they are in bad shape. He also recovered some dishes, however, all of our electronics are gone. We lost our IPOD, TV, laptops, playstation, music center and more," said Dzidolikaite.

Kroeger, stated, "I began running in and out of my apartment grabbing whatever valuables I could. I managed to save about 6 guitars, my half-stack amp, and my TV in about 4 trips."

According to residents, the smoke got so bad that the authorities would not allow anyone back inside the apartments. Most of the residents stood outside and watched helplessly as their apartments burned.

However, even though many residents lost everything in the fire, they would soon be receiving donations of money and goods. This became a reality through the Red Cross and a benefit that was set up for Kroeger. The same day the fire happened, some of Kroeger's friends set up a blog with a Paypal donation account. Through word of mouth and Facebook, the blog soon became viral. According to Kroeger, there were donations from friends coming in from as far as California.

A concert with local bands was also set up to benefit Kroeger and other residents of the Jefferson apartments. Kroeger played with his band City Never Sleeps towards the end of the event. There were around 150 to 200 people who showed up and donated.

The fire not only left many residents with nothing, but it also emotionally affected them.

"I realize that I am extremely fortunate for the amount of good friends that I have accumulated throughout my life, and even more grateful of my family than I ever was before. I am happy to be alive," said Kroeger.

Not only was the benefit a success but it helped raise money and goods for families in need. The fire may have destroyed many people's homes but it helped them to appreciate the little things in life.