37 people displaced and two people hospitalized in Hollister apartment complex fire, firefighters say
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION) -- UPDATE ON JAN 8, 2024 AT 5:56 PM- Hollister Fire said at least two people have been hospitalized as a result of an apartment complex fire on Saturday night.
Firefighters said the fire started at 851 Line Street around 3:45 p.m. The fire displaced 37 people and sent two women to the hospital.
Hollister Fire said one woman was sent to the hospital for burns on her arms and shoulder. Another woman drove herself to the hospital for respiratory issues.
Firefighters are still investigating the cause of the fire, but are convinced that the fire started on the first story of the complex.
Hollister Fire Chief Rodney Dover said that the apartment complex at 851 Line Street will not be livable, but the apartments located on 841 Line Street will be livable again.
"When crews got on, they were met with heavy fire involvement on 851 with fire starting to get involved on 841," Dover said. "So, by the time the fire was under control, I would say 851 was 95% destroyed."
Angelica Nunez was able to escape the fire just in time.
"I was upstairs and heard the commotion downstairs," Nunez said. "I heard my neighbor yelling and looked down my stairs and saw flames coming up the stairs."
The American Red Cross is helping the evacuees at this time. The City of Hollister said at least seven out of the nine families that lived in the apartment complex have secured temporary housing.
City officials said that the other two families are living with family members.
Dozens displaced, one person hospitalized by apartment complex fire in Hollister
The City of Hollister said at least 34 people were displaced on Saturday night after an apartment building in Hollister caught fire.
According to the City of Hollister, the fire took place around 4 p.m. at an apartment complex on Line Street.
City officials said that 34 people who lived in the apartment complex were evacuated from the apartment complex.
Fire officials told our reporter on scene that eight units were impacted and one person had to be hospitalized with minor injuries. Hollister Fire said that person is expected to be okay.
Gloria Jimenez had just moved from Watsonville to Hollister last November after losing her home during storms in March.
Jimenez told KION that her kids were planning to start their first day of school in Hollister on Monday.
"They're away for the weekend with family before they start school and this is what they're coming home to," Jimenez said.
City officials said that the American Red Cross helped families with emergency services and financial assistance.
Martin Gagliano who is the regional communications manager for the American Red Cross said they provided the families with emergency supply kits and are working with the landlord to help find families immediate shelter.
The Community Food Bank of San Benito County did provide each family with a $100 Safeway gift card and will be partnering with the city to provide assistance to families in a donation drive.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
