Southwest Springs apartment fire controlled after three hours

An apartment fire sent thick smoke into the sky near Quail Lake Tuesday.

The three alarm fire burned at the Quail Cove Apartments in the 3300 block of Quail Lake Road.

The fire was declared under control at around 6 p.m.

Smoke was pouring from the building and flames were visible when firefighters arrived. The cause is unknown.

The roof has partially collapsed, according to firefighters.

A maintenance worker was first to notice the flames. He knocked on doors and warned people to evacuate.

No injuries have been reported, though one firefighter suffered from exhaustion.

The Red Cross is assisting nine families consisting of 18 people.

One of the tenants told KRDO NewsChannel 13 she planned to stay with family, but is still worried.

“I’m stressed right now. Scared, stressed. I’m happy my roommate wasn’t in there but it’s really scary,” said Ashley Hosey. “The one that’s starting collapse is our building. We’re on the middle floor. I was just waiting for it to go all the way through.”

While none of the tenants were injured, one firefighter was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation but is expected to be okay.

Most of the pets in the building were rescued, but two cats are still missing.