Ames firefighters responded to a structure fire at 301 S. Fourth Street, on Monday, June 6, at approximately 4:04 AM. When firefighters arrived, flames were visible from the roof and windows of the 33-unit apartment complex. Several occupants were rescued from third floor balconies of the building using ground ladders. Four rescues were on one side of the building, and two were on another side. Other residents exited through doors. All but one of the units was occupied at the time of the fire.
An emergency check-in and temporary shelter was established by Story County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross at Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Ave., in the City Auditorium. All occupants of the apartment complex were asked to report to City Hall in order to verify that every person is safe.
All Ames fire crews responded to the scene, and mutual aid was requested from Nevada Fire. The apartment building suffered significant smoke, fire, and water damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire crews will remain on the scene all day.