Two people had to be rescued after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Moline. Firefighters responded to the 4300 block of 26th Ave. around 10:30 Thursday morning.
"There was fire coming out of the west side of the building, what I would call the second floor window. First arriving engine companies came in, forced entry into the building and Knocked the fire down with an attack line.," according to Moline Fire Department Capt. Mike Maynard.
Firefighters were able to help two people escape from the building.
"There was a victim on the second floor, north side rear of the building that we assisted him using a ladder, and he self evacuated using the ladder. We also, shortly after had someone come out of the basement apartment," Maynard added.
Both people are said to be alright, although one was taken by ambulance to be checked out at the hospital.
The fire began on the second floor of the apartment complex. Fire officials say they believe an electrical problem involving a telephone may have sparked the blaze.
Donna Murphy has a relative living in the building.
"Flames started coming out by her phone while she was washing her hair, and the smoke alarms went off and I guess she ended up getting out of there," Murphy said.
As of noon, many families were still waiting outside to see if they would be allowed back into their apartments. The apartment where the fire started and one immediately across from it, have extensive damage. Many other apartments have less damage.
We're told many pets perished in the fire..
According to the Quad Cities Chapter of the American Red Cross, eight units have been affected. Red Cross workers are meeting with the families and helping them with shelter, food and clothing.
