Update: State Fire Marshal will help investigate cause of Hearne apartment fire

HEARNE, Texas (KBTX) - The Hearne Police Department says the State Fire Marshal’s Office will assist in investigating the cause of a massive fire that swept through the Columbus Village apartments Sunday morning.

The fire department responded to the complex around 4:30 a.m. in the 800 block of S Riley Street.

“One building was fully engulfed and the building next to it soon caught on fire,” said Hearne Police Det. Sgt. Jeffrey Farmer. “All fire personnel worked tirelessly to contain the fire however both buildings were consumed.”

Eight families have been displaced and the American Red Cross along with other community members are assisting at least 33 people with immediate needs including food, clothing, and medical needs.

The Red Cross says the displaced residents, including several children, will be temporarily housed in hotels until apartment management can secure a more permanent place for the residents to live.

Donations are being accepted at this time at the East Side Park Community Center in Hearne at 405 Norwood Lane but please remember these families currently have little to no room to store large amounts of goods and large items. We’ll know more in the coming days about who exactly needs what.

CLICK HERE to read more about how you can help.

Despite the fast-moving fire happening at a time when many residents were sleeping, nobody was seriously injured or killed.

Firefighters from Calvert, Bremond, Blackjack, Franklin, and Hearne Fire Departments were among the first responders on the scene.

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