9 people displaced after North Austin apartment fire: AFD

AUSTIN, Texas - Nine people are displaced after a heavy fire at a North Austin apartment complex.

According to the Austin Fire Department, on Dec. 30, around 12:23 p.m., firefighters responded to a heavy fire at an apartment complex at 505 Hardin Court.

"The smoke was billowing all over. It took over the whole street at one point. It was pretty intense," said neighbor William Guest.

Austin-Travis County EMS said four people, including two children, were taken to a local hospital and nine people were displaced by the fire.

The displaced victims are being helped by the Red Cross.

"From what it sounded like, it was the black smoke and then flames. So, it's a quick-moving fire. Luckily, people were able to get out in time because I could have been really bad. And it sounded like nobody was able to get going. Only received minor injuries," said Captain Shannon Koesterer, Austin Travis County Ems Public Information Office.

Neighbors from all around gathered to see what happened.

"I was literally about to leave the house to get medicine and give my kids some food. And next thing I know, I see my front door open, and I hear sirens. I'm like, why are you guys outside without me? The fire. You don't see the fire. And I come running outside, and the whole thing is ablaze," said Guest.

Cesar Vaca, a resident of the building, says he was at work when he got a call from his roommate about the fire and rushed home.

Vaca said he and his neighbors lost most, if not all, of their belongings.

William Guest lives a few doors down to where the fire broke out. For him, the fire strikes close to home. He says he used to live in that exact complex.

"I guess just grateful. It's not us, but I hope everyone here is okay. I know we saw a few people leave in the ambulance going to follow up and make sure everyone was all right," said Guest.

AFD said there was $200,000 in structural damage and $50,000 in content damage.

The cause of the fire is ruled undetermined by AFD.