RANDALLSTOWN, Md. — The Baltimore County Fire Department is investigating a two-alarm apartment fire in Randallstown Wednesday morning.
"I looked out my window and the roof was on fire. I could just see everything blazing fire," said neighbor Connie Wilson.
When crews arrived to the scene of the fire after 2 a.m., they found flames coming through the roof of the building.
"I was sleeping last night, and I just heard this man yelling everybody evacuate really fast," said tenant Gabrielle Hinds. "I just literally ran out. I didn't know what was going on. I looked to my left and everything was in flames."
She was able to run out but Baltimore County Fire officials said two people jumped from third floor balconies to escape the flames. In total, four tenants were hurt escaping the building. Their injuries are not life-threatening, along with a firefighter who was treated for dehydration.
The fire was under control in a few hours. According to the department, more than 70 people are being displaced including 23 children. Eight units were destroyed in the fire and others suffered smoke damage.
"It smells like a lot of smoke. Electric is off. Water is off," said Hinds. "I still don't even have all my things in my apartment, so I guess that's a good thing for me."
Hinds just moved in last month and says she found her apartment filled with smoke this afternoon as she tried to grab a few belongings and figure out what to do.
"I was really scared because I'm not from here. I'm from New York, so my family is in New York, so I figured I really don't know what to do. It was just a scary moment for me," said Hinds.
The American Red Cross, the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services and Baltimore County Emergency Management have opened an emergency shelter for residents impacted by the fire.
Located at the Randallstown Community Center on Resource Drive, the shelter will be open Wednesday night only. Those affected needing additional resources, will be assisted with finding a place to stay on Thursday.
