‘A total loss’: Fire devastates Fern Parc apartment building

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) – Residents and the Huntsville Fire & Rescue assistant fire marshal react to the apartment fire at Fern Parc Apartments Monday morning.

Huntsville Fire & Rescue Assistant Fire Marshal Jerry Tanner said he first received a call around 7:30 a.m. for a fire at 4144 Memorial Pkwy SW. He said the fire quickly spread from unit to unit but residents were able to evacuate in time.

“We went in to get some residents before it made it to the far end of the building,” Tanner said, “but I could visually hear the fire alarms going off.”

While only one person was transported to Huntsville Hospital with injuries related to smoke inhalation, Tanner said the damage to the property is extensive.

“The building looks to be a total loss,” Tanner said, “probably about 16 to 20 units [burned].”

Observers gathered outside to watch the blaze and comfort neighbors. Aryanna Haley said she lives across the street but came over to see where the smoke was coming from.

“I feel bad for them,” Haley said, “hopefully they get everything back they’re missing.”

Fern Parc resident Elijah Nunn said he was shocked at how fast the fire spread and is worried about his neighbors.

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“Prayers to everybody who lived over here,” Nunn said. “I feel bad for these people. Somebody go ahead and start a GoFundMe for these people. Make sure they got a place to stay overnight.”

Tanner said an investigation is pending into the source of the fire.

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