Video: Donations Needed For Victims Of Baldwyn Apartment Fire

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BALDWYN, Miss. (WCBI) — As a firefighter was dousing hot spots, Casey Jackson was surveying what was left of her unit at Gardenview Apartments. She says it was about 8 p.m. Tuesday when her son noticed smoke in the apartment.

“My son called 911,” Jackson said.

By the time firefighters arrived, all eight units in the 50-plus-year-old former hotel were engulfed. Almost a dozen fire departments from Lee and Prentiss counties did their best to contain it.

“We were trying our best to get it under control, but a building this old, as dry as it was, it was next to impossible,” said Baldwyn Fire Chief Jerry Ozbirn.

The tenants got out but many don’t have insurance. Others already are stepping in to help.

The American Red Cross sprung into action, setting up shop at the Baldwyn Fire Department. Victims have been placed in hotel rooms, and are getting assistance with clothing and food, but long-term housing is a huge need.

In the meantime, Jackson knows it could have been a lot worse.

“It could have been terribly worse, we could have all been asleep,” she said.

Jackson is trying to have a positive outlook.

“We got to pretty much start over again, but new starts are good starts sometimes,” Jackson said.

The Red Cross office in Tupelo is in need of clothing, furniture, appliances and even stuffed animals for children. If you would like to help, please call 662-842-6101