Red Cross helps at least 25 people left homeless from Deer Park fire

The Red Cross says 42 apartments were evacuated and 12 were significantly damaged.

Thema Ponton

Aug 22, 2023, 12:33 AM

Updated 493 days ago

Share:

Dozens of people are homeless following a fire that ripped through an apartment complex in Deer Park.
The fire happened Sunday evening at the Maple Crest Apartments on Baldwin Path. The Deer Park Fire Department and crews from at least nine other departments battled the fire
The flames were so intense that part of the roof collapsed.
Amber, of Deer Park, says she could feel the heat from the flames. When she realized the fire was raging, she went to get her mother to safety and alert her neighbors.
“The building was in smoke, so I just started knocking on people’s doors and making sure they were OK and trying to get people out,” Amber says.
The Red Cross says 42 apartments were evacuated and 12 were significantly damaged.
They say they have been providing emergency assistance to 25 people.
Amber says the fire did not destroy her apartment, but she still is not allowed in the building because of the damage. She says she feels bad for her neighbors, some who lost everything.
“They’re my neighbors, you know, I love these people,” Amber says. “I see them every day, the way they live and I can’t imagine anything happening to them.”
News 12 is told the Red Cross will be back at the complex Tuesday to provide support to any other residents in need.