EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – A Friday morning apartment fire on Devon Court in Edwardsville displaced several residents. The apartments are near SIU-Edwardsville, and the affected residents are students.
Resident Afzal Biabani, an SIUE graduate student, credits two nearby realty workers for alerting residents about the fire.
“They were screaming for everyone to get out and just evacuate,” Biabani said.
Nikki McCormick is one of those workers who helped. She was working inside the REMAX Alliance office across the street when she walked to a closet and just happened to spot flames out of the corner of her eye.
McCormick joined co-worker Katy Clark in running across the street to help as Clark called 911 for help.
Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said the fire appeared to have started on the second floor and spread to the attic. A cause has yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.
A university spokesperson said affected students have secured temporary, safe housing and added the university, along with the city of Edwardsville, will provide support and resources as needed.
A giving fund was also established by the university to help the displaced students who lived in the off-campus apartment building.
“We lost some of our mattresses, some of our electronic items, study tables, some appliances, and sofas,” Biabani said.
“I don’t know if I’m sad or if I’m mad,” Mary Danso, an SIUE graduate student, added. “It’s just mixed feelings, and I cried initially.”
Biabani tracked down McCormick later in the day to thank her for running to help. He believes she saved lives.
“That meant a lot,” McCormick said. “It was very meaningful that he realized that we helped him.”
The American Red Cross was also on the scene, assisting Friday.
“We’re here providing short-term care and housing for those in need,” David Tallion, a retired volunteer firefighter and American Red Cross volunteer, said.
Fire crews from Wood River, Glen Carbon, and Collinsville, as well as Troy EMS and Madison County Emergency Management Agency Rehabilitation Unit, responded. The Edwardsville Police Department helped ensure the building was empty.
Whiteford expressed his gratitude to all agencies and individuals who helped.
