Fire Destroys Apartment Building, Damages Others in Downtown Blaze

Dozens of area firefighters were called in to assist the Altoona Fire Department yesterday in battling a multi-building fire that occurred on the 1100 block of 13^th Avenue.  Crews were dispatched around 12:30 yesterday afternoon after a fire reportedly started in the attic of an apartment building and quickly spread to buildings on either side.  For a while three firefighters were briefly trapped on an upper floor of the apartment building, when a ceiling collapsed on them, but they were able to get out safely.  All resisdents of the building were also able to get out of the structures, without injury.  The fire displaced 10 people, and the Red Cross has been called in to assist.  Also, there were some concerns about two cats that ran out of one of the buildings during the fire.  There are reports they have been found safe.  The Altoona City fire inspector has been called in to investigate the cause of the blaze.  Currently 13^th Avenue is closed between 11^th and 12^th Streets.  Finally, a GoFund me page has been set up for one of the residents who lost everything in the fire.  If you would like to donate, look for “Support Mariah and Kids After House Fire,” to help.