In further coverage of the Guardian Angels fire, Chief Mike Schutt informed KDWA that residents are still unable to return to their apartments. However, as part of the containment procedure on Sunday, fire crews attempted to mitigate the damage to personal property in each of the affected apartments by gathering furniture and personal belongings together and covering them in tarps, prior to pulling ceilings. Schutt notes, the main damage area is on the north side of the building, with 6 apartments experiencing the majority of the damage. For safety, electricity was disconnected to the entire building. In the early evening on Sunday, several residents were allowed brief access back into their apartments to gather personal items they may need for the evening and also a chance to view the damage. The majority of the residents stayed with family or friends. At this time, investigators are not naming a cause or releasing an estimated damage dollar amount. It was noted, that several apartments did sustain major damage.
For a second day, Hastings fire crews returned to the Guardian Angels Apartments when additional smoke was seen in the roof line. Assistant Fire Director and Fire Marshal John Townsend gave a brief comment on their action.
In response to the families displaced by the fire at Guardian Angels Apartments, SEAS School has become a disaster shelter host for the American Red Cross, Father Cole Kracke discussed his role in securing temporary shelter for family members affected by the fire.
The Red Cross is the first line of aid for situations such as this. A contact number was posted on the doors of SEAS school to inquire about services. That contact number is 612-871-7676. Ask for client services. An alternate contact is Debra Brooks, 952-300-7062. She is the logistics volunteer for the Red Cross serving the Twin Cities. We called on Chris Koop from Hastings Family Service and asked just what those affected might receive from the local resource.
