Center Point man describes saving woman from apartment fire

CENTER POINT, Ala. ( WIAT ) — A devastating blaze terrified residents who escaped an early morning fire at Summer Rise Apartments in Center Point.

Just after midnight Friday, firefighters from the Center Point Fire District and Trussville responded on the scene of a fully engulfed apartment building.

A man was found dead inside one of the units where investigators believe the fire started. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is still working to determine his identity.

The American Red Cross is assisting 25 residents with finding housing and providing financial assistance.

“Just imagine losing everything that you had and not really knowing how to pick up those pieces,” Red Cross spokesperson Annette Rowland said. “Even if you have renter’s insurance it can be a lot of paperwork so that’s what the Red Cross is for to help bridge that gap and meet those immediate needs.”

For more information, Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-RED-CROSS 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Brittany White managed to salvage her 4-year-old son’s sonogram and her Bible. She thanks God her family is okay.

“It started from down here and the flames just came like fast,” White said. “As soon as I came outside, the fire was already big.”

Displaced resident Decoreyus Sparks told CBS 42 about how he jumped into action to save his neighbor during the fire.

“It was a lady hanging out her upstairs window, screaming for help,” Sparks said. “So I climbed on top of the air-conditioning unit to try to save her, which I succeeded so I did save her, but she informed me her boyfriend was still inside and he unfortunately did not make it.”

The Center Point Fire District is working to determine the cause of the fire.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.