Residents have 15 mins to gather belongings after fire destroys Abilene apartment complex

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – The Spanish Arms apartment complex on North 6th and Merchant was demolished Monday afternoon.

Fire crews and City of Abilene building inspection personnel declared the structure unsafe after a large fire broke out at around 3:25 a.m. Multiple crews responded as large flames and heavy smoke could be seen. Xavier, a tenant, says he was in his room when all of a sudden, he noticed smoke.

“The room was hazy, and I was confused. I went to check my window, and the apartment next to mine was on fire. After that, I just tried to gather my cats and leave,” explained Xavier.

Magaret M is a resident as well, recalling she was asleep when a neighbor came and told her to get out as flames were quickly spreading.

“Someone was beating on my window. They were saying ‘fire – get out!’ Thank god for that person. Well, I gathered a few valuables and got out,” shared Margaret.

Hours later Margaret returned to the complex to find more salvageable items but was told she only had about 15 minutes to grab items before crews started to tear the building down. Firemen were helping residents bring out furniture and other personal belongings.

“The people of Spanish Arms had 15 minutes to get their lifelong possessions out of their apartments soon to be demolished. Beautiful firemen dismantled some antiques for me, and we got them there are some things on the street I’m leaving behind,” added Margaret.

Other residents had to leave some stuff behind that was not salvageable or there was not enough time to get things out. The American Red Cross has been contacted to help residents.

The Abilene Military Veteran Peer Networked shared on Facebook that 8 residents are veterans. They are currently hosting a donation drive to help them get back on their feet.

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