An early morning blaze at the Gilbert Square Apartments in Mesa sent an 18-month-old child to the hospital and forced residents out of their homes after flames tore through several second-story units near University Drive and Gilbert Road. Crews rolled up just before 5 a.m. to heavy smoke and fire that had already chewed through multiple apartments before firefighters could bring it under control. Two firefighters were briefly knocked down when part of the roof gave way, but officials say they were not injured. Investigators remained on scene through the morning to sort out how it started.
What crews saw on arrival
The fire was reported shortly before 5 a.m. at the Gilbert Square Apartments, and a Mesa battalion chief told Arizona’s Family that flames damaged four units on the building’s second level. According to Arizona’s Family, the 18-month-old was hospitalized as a precaution after having trouble breathing, and Mesa Fire later confirmed the child has preexisting health issues. Crews coordinated with the Red Cross to help residents who could not return home while investigators began assessing the damage.
Injuries, displacement and immediate aid
ABC15 reports that firefighters treated two people in the aftermath of the blaze: an adult who was cared for at the scene and an infant who was taken to the hospital. ABC15 also notes that two firefighters were knocked down when a portion of the roof collapsed, but they escaped without injury. According to that outlet, four families were displaced, and the Red Cross is helping about a dozen people find temporary housing. Fire crews stayed on scene to chase hotspots and secure the structure while investigators worked to pinpoint where and how the fire started.
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